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SearchArchives for August 2009
25 August, 2009
Retirees get finger
from index review
Superannuation pensions received by retired staff of the Australian Public Service are to continue to be adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
A report into the indexation arrangements for the APS’s Civilian and Military Super Schemes has recommended that CPI indexation be retained and the Government has agreed.
Retired staff have described the decision as “unjust.”
Conducted by actuary Trevor Matthews, the review was commissioned following three Senate enquiries recommending a change in the indexing arrangements and an election promise by the ALP that they would be examined.
Minister for Finance, Lindsay Tanner announced the review findings and the Government’s position.
“We are aware that this will disappoint many superannuants and their representatives, but we are satisfied that the CPI is the most suitable index to protect Australian Government superannuation pensions,” Mr Tanner said.
“It is also in line with the indexation of most other similar pensions in Australia, including all equivalent State Government schemes.”
He said changing the indexation system would come at a significant cost to taxpayers and also be inequitable for superannuants who chose to take a lump sum.
He said if the APS superannuation scheme was insufficient in individual cases, people could supplement their income by receiving the Age or a Service pension if they qualified.
Federal President of the Superannuated Commonwealth Officers’ Association (SCOA), Dr Annette Barbetti said the decision will ‘outrage’ retirees.
“The CPI as an indexation tool was rightly discarded more than a decade ago for the Age Pension and most other Government pensions,” Dr Barbetti said.
“Those affected will be outraged when they learn that Government MPs making the decision will have their pensions adjusted by increases in Parliamentary Salaries and Allowances while denying their former employees fair, wage-based pension indexation.”
She said during the 2007 election campaign the Prime Minister and many other Labor MPs were critical of the former Government for not implementing the findings of the three Senate enquiries.
“This had created a great expectation that, if it won office, Labor would put an end to the discriminatory treatment of its former employees,” Dr Barbetti said.
“More than 300,000 senior Australians (will be) affected by this most unjust decision,” she said.
The full report of the review is available at www.finance.gov.au
25 August, 2009
Law reformers throw
book at Commissions
The Australian Law Reform Commission has called for greater flexibility in Royal Commissions and official inquiries to ensure they have adequate investigatory powers.
In its Discussion Paper, Royal Commissions and Official Inquiries, the ALRC said a legislative framework was needed to govern official inquiries at the Federal level.
The Commission was asked to review the Royal Commissions Act 1902 (Cth) and to consider whether less formal and more flexible statutory alternatives to Royal Commissions would be appropriate in some circumstances.
President of the ALRC, Emeritus Professor David Weisbrot said while the Royal Commissions Act was generally operating quite well, it should be amended and renamed the Inquiries Act.
Professor Weisbrot said non-statutory inquiries did not always have the necessary powers to investigate, compel people to appear before the inquiry or compel the production of evidence.
“They cannot guarantee adequate legal protection to inquiry members and to staff,” he said.
“In addition, there is insufficient legal protection for people providing information to these inquiries, especially those whose reputations may be called into question.
“The result is that non-statutory inquiries may not have all the information necessary to make the best possible findings and recommendations.”
The Commissioner in charge of the Inquiry, Professor Les McCrimmon said the proposed new statutory framework would allow for “Official Inquiries”, which would have the advantages of Royal Commissions but with more flexibility and less formality.
The discussion paper features 75 draft proposals which include requirements for Government follow-up on inquiry reports and recommendations and measures for the protection of national security information by Royal Commissions and Official Inquiries.
Professor McCrimmon said national security information had been an issue for recent inquiries including the Clarke Inquiry into the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef and the AWB Food-for-Oil Inquiry.
“While previous inquiries have been able to prevent inadvertent disclosure of national security information, some have encountered practical difficulties accessing and using such material,” he said.
“The proposed new Inquiries Act would overcome many of these difficulties with special procedures and powers for national security information.”
Professor McCrimmon said under the proposed amendments the Government would be required to make inquiry reports public by tabling them in Parliament and to publish updates on the implementation of inquiry recommendations.
Submissions close 22 September, 2009, with the final report due to be completed by 30 October 2009.
Further information was available from www.alrc.gov.au.
25 August, 2009
Business unit to gain
from PS prophets
A Government committee consisting of Commonwealth Departments and Agencies has been formed to help convert ideas into commercial ventures.
The new Commonwealth Commercialisation Institute consists of representatives from the Departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet; Treasury;
Finance and Deregulation; Austrade; Innovation, Industry, Science and Research; Climate Change; Education, Employment and Workplace Relations; Resources, Energy and Tourism; National Health and Medical Research Council; and NICTA, Australia’s Information and Communications Technology Centre of Excellence.
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr called for public comment on the development and operation of the Institute.
Senator Carr said it represented a “new approach to Government” and would help Government Agencies, universities and innovative firms commercialise their ideas.
He said public input was needed on the design and delivery of the Institute to ensure maximum value was harnessed from all new ideas.
“It will help address the difficulties faced by our talented researchers and entrepreneurs in accessing the knowledge, skills and capital they need to convert ideas into successful commercial ventures,” Senator Carr said.
He said the Institute would be chaired by Dr Laurie Hammond, current chairman of the Cooperative Research Centre for Mining.
“Dr Hammond’s strong background in innovation and technology commercialisation is enhancing the development of the Institute”, Senator Carr said.
He said Dr Hammond had also served on the Tax Working Group for the Review of the National Innovation System, the Federal Industry Research and Development Board and a number of other Committees.
Submissions close 28 August 2009, with further information available from www.innovation.gov.au.
25 August, 2009
Defence staff
not deserting
The Australian Defence Force has reported its lowest average separation rate in the last decade, with a decreased 12-month average of 9.4 per cent leaving the service in July this year.
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet said the results put Defence in good standing to achieve the growth and capability requirements of the 2009 Defence White Paper, Force 2030.
Mr Combet said the Navy, Army, and Air Force had experienced significant decreases in separation rates.
He said current figures of 10.8 per cent for the Navy, 10.3 per cent for the Army and 6.4 per cent for the Air Force had fallen from 12.4 per cent, 11.9 per cent and 9 per cent respectively since July 2007.
“The ADF is expecting further decreases in separation rates throughout the next quarter, followed by the rates stabilising in 2010,” Mr Combet said.
“Another pleasing aspect of this result is that more young people are getting first class training from the ADF at a time when Australia needs to build its workforce skills base.”
He said ADF personnel strength was currently 56,522 - a growth of 1,919 permanent members in the last year, including 1,454 full-time Reservists.
Mr Combet said the growth included 259 more women than 2008 serving in a wide variety of roles.
“The ADF has also benefited greatly from the re-enlistment of personnel with prior military service,” he said.
“Defence recognises the importance of harnessing the skills and experience of its qualified and professional men and women and is very much focused on enhancing its overall employment package to support retention.”
25 August, 2009
Directors to get clearer directions
The Corporations and Markets Advisory Committee is to examine options for providing company directors with clearer guidance on their roles and responsibilities.
The Committee (CAMAC) is a Government regulatory body and was established in 1989 under the Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act.
Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law, hris Bowen said CAMAC would report back to the Government on the possibility of introducing a code of conduct for directors.
Mr Bowen said the Government wanted to ensure company directors were fully informed of the responsibilities that came with their role.
“Australia has a world-class system of corporate governance and some of the best company directors in the world,” he said.
“The Government is committed to ensuring Australia's directors are well prepared to meet the requirements expected of them.”
Mr Bowen said while industry bodies such as the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Financial Services Association played a positive educational role, formal guidance was limited compared to other countries.
He said CAMAC would consider what guidance could be offered to directors, particularly non-executive directors, about the performance of their duties.
Mr Bowen said CAMAC would examine the guidance or codes of conduct available to corporate directors overseas; whether there is sufficient guidance available for directors in Australia; and would advise whether the performance of directors would be enhanced by introducing guidance such as a code of conduct or best practice guide.
CAMAC is expected to report back to the Government by 30 April 2010.
25 August, 2009
ACCC delivers on postage
price rise
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is calling for comment on the proposal by Australia Post to increase the basic postage rate and prices of its other monopoly mail services.
Chairman of the ACCC, Graeme Samuel said Australia Post had alerted the Commission to the price increases in the form of a draft notification on 24 July this year.
Mr Samuel said Australia Post had lodged a submission in support of its proposal.
“The ACCC has received a detailed submission from Australia Post in support of the proposed price increases,” he said.
“This submission includes modelling of Australia Post's past and future productivity, mail volumes, and costs.”
Mr Samuel said Australia Post had proposed an increase in the basic postage rate from 55 to 60 cents as well as increases in the price of other mail services such as large ordinary letters, clean mail, reply paid mail, impact mail and local delivery mail.
He said the ACCC had released an issues paper seeking comment from interested parties on Australia Post’s proposal.
He said under the prices surveillance provisions of the Trade Practices Act, the ACCC had a role in assessing proposed price increases for Australia Post due to its monopoly over letter services.
Submissions close September 18, 2009, with further information available from www.accc.gov.au.
25 August, 2009
Women liberate
harassment report
The Equal Opportunity for Women in the Workplace Agencyhas released its 2009 Survey, revealing low levels of training on sex-based harassment in Australian organisations.
The survey found while almost all organisations had formal procedures to deal with sex-based harassment, just over half offered training to staff (59.1 per cent) or managers (55.4 per cent).
Acting Director of EOWA, Mairi Steele saidorganisations on the 2009 EOWA Employer of Choice for Women citation list have an average pay gap of 10.9 per cent, which is lower than the overall industry gap.
Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have shown the gender pay gap to be 17.5 per cent.
The ABS data shows the widest gap is in the finance and insurance industry, at 30.4 per cent and the smallest is in Government administration and Defence (7.1 per cent).
Ms Steele said Macquarie University researcher, Ian Watson estimated around 70 per cent of the gender pay gap was due to discrimination rather than demographic and labour market variables.
“Addressing pay discrimination is fundamental to achieving equality at work,” she said.
“However from EOWA’s experience it’s clear that the complexities of the problem are not yet fully understood by Australian business.”
Ms Steele said a gender pay audit was an effective way for organisations to uncover the gender pay gap and begin to address it.
“The fact that women are concentrated into certain occupations and in low paying positions are key causes of the gap and not excuses for it,” she said.
Ms Steele urged businesses to access the free Pay Equity Audit Tool - which can help identify pay gaps, possible causes and solutions.
The EOWA Survey on Paid Maternity Leave, Sex-based Harassment Initiatives and the Gender Pay Gap found 37 per cent of all people responsible for submitting a report to EOWA believed a gender pay gap existed in their organisation and that less than half conducted gender pay equity analyses.
Ms Steele said the survey also foundover half of organisations (50.8 per cent) reporting to EOWA offer paid maternity leave, up from 48.9 per cent the previous year.
EOWA is to participate in the Equal Pay Day campaign on 1 September this year to help businesses butter understand the causes of pay inequity.
The EOWA Survey was based on the responses of more than 2,300 organisations that provided their annual equal opportunity compliance reports to the Agency in 2008.
To access the survey or Pay Equity Audit Tool, visitwww.eowa.gov.au.
25 August, 2009
Consumer protection gets
new use-by date
The Government has announced changes to the implementation of the National Consumer Credit Protection Reform Package, with some requirements brought forward and others deferred.
Minister for Financial Services, Superannuation and Corporate Law, Chris Bowen said responsible lending conduct laws for brokers and some lenders would now be introduced on January 2010 - one year earlier than previously proposed.
Mr Bowen said bringing forward the responsible lending conduct laws would ensure consumers would be immediately protected from predatory and irresponsible lending.
“While it is recognised that many brokers and lenders already meet these requirements through industry codes and standards, it will set a national standard for responsible lending and prohibit poor credit practices at an earlier stage,” he said.
“It will also allow consumers to access remedies for irresponsible lending sooner.”
Mr Bowen said an advantage of the timetable reform was there would be no gap in consumer protection between the transition from State and credit regimes to the new Federal model.
He said new National Credit Code requirements for credit providers, such as the introduction of debit default notices, amendments to business purpose declarations and new notices in response to application for hardship variations and postponements, would be delayed from 1 January 2010 to 1 July 2010.
Mr Bowen said the extension would give credit providers time to make the changes necessary to operate in the new regulatory environment.
“In transitioning the State and Territory Uniform Consumer Credit Code into the new National Credit Code, substantial enhancements have been included,” he said.
“These enhancements will require lenders to change important paper and IT based disclosure and consumer information related documents.”
The responsible lending conduct requirements will commence for the remaining lenders (Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) and Registered Finance Corporations (RFCs)) from 1 January 2011.
This will allow them sufficient time to prepare for compliance with the new regime and ensure a smooth transition for the industry.
All remaining responsible lending requirements (such as disclosure of fees and commissions) will commence on 1 January 2011.
“It is crucial that the Government provide businesses whose lending and credit related activities rely upon extensive and complex business processes and IT systems with enough time to be ready to comply with the new regime,” Mr Bowen said.
“This revised commencement date provides an appropriate time for this to happen.”
25 August, 2009
New tools for oldies
are goodies
Two online tools to help improve the quality of life for people over 50 have been launched by the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot.
Ms Elliot said the new resources were produced by the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre – a joint initiative of National Seniors Australia and the Federal Government and were aimed at advancing the knowledge and understanding of “productive ageing”.
“Older Australians are an in invaluable asset to our country and this Government will continue to support measures that promote these ongoing and valued contributions,” she said.
“In less than 50 years the number of people aged 65 and over is expected to triple from 3 million to 9 million.
“Our ageing population brings with it opportunities and benefits, not just challenges.”
Ms Elliot said the Productive Ageing Centre website provided users with research, education and information on aging while the Atlas of Productive Ageing, allowed users to find regional information on five broad indicators of productive ageing – activity, health, finance, housing and population.
She said the Government was pursuing “broader action” to encourage positive and active ageing through initiatives and activities involving Australia’s first Ambassador for Ageing, Noeline Brown.
“Noeline’s role also includes the promotion and recognition of the contributions that have been made, and continue to be made, by older Australians,” Ms Elliot said.
The interactive Atlas was developed by the Centre in collaboration with the Public Health Information Development Unit at the University of Adelaide.
The websites were available from www.productiveageing.com.auand www.productiveageing.publichealth.gov.au.
25 August, 2009
TV sport scores
discussion paper
The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has released a discussion paper on the screening of sport on television.
Minister, Senator Stephen Conroy said the paper, Sport on Television: A review of the anti-siphoning scheme in the contemporary digital environment, aimed to foster debate about the anti-siphoning scheme and discern whether the scheme was still effective and appropriate in the contemporary digital television environment.
Senator Conroy said the anti-siphoning scheme was introduced in 1994 to ensure events of national importance and cultural significance were freely available to all Australians.
“Australians have a wide range of views about sport on television and how those sporting events should be broadcast,” he said.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that sporting events of significance and national importance are able to be made freely available to the Australian public.”
Senator Conroy said Australians were “enthusiastic viewers” of television sport and that the review would allow interested parties to have their say on how the anti-siphoning scheme should work leading up to digital television switchover.
He said comments on topics such as the effectiveness of the scheme, the rationale for including events on the anti-siphoning list and the rules governing the coverage of those events on free-to-air digital multi-channels were welcome.
Submissions could be made to the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy until 16 October 2009.
Further information was available from www.dbcde.gov.au or by phoning 1800 069 450.
25 August, 2009
Firefighters settle
burning issue
A new law to grant immunity to US fire fighters helping fight Australian bushfires has been introduced into Parliament.
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the Foreign States Immunities Amendment Bill 2009 would give civil immunity in Australian Courts to American fire fighters helping Australian authorities prepare for, manage and respond to bushfires.
Mr McClelland said the Bill’spassage would conclude the negotiation of a fire fighter exchange agreement between Australia and the US that was currently being negotiated by the Victorian Government on behalf of all States and Territories.
“This Bill is one way the Australian Government can assist the States and Territories with bushfire prevention and management to enhance the safety and security of all Australians,” he said.
Mr McClelland said the agreement would be reciprocal, giving Australian fire fighters similar protection when operating in the United States.
He said the immunity would only apply to acts or omissions of foreign personnel in the course of their duties, and would not apply in criminal proceedings.
“The Bill also provides a legislative framework for immunity to be conferred on other foreign emergency service personnel where required to help Australian authorities respond to disasters and emergencies,” Mr McClelland said.
“The protections provided by the proposed amendments will allow both Australia and the United States to be confident in the overseas deployment of their emergency service personnel.”
25 August, 2009
Staff sink teeth into
baking fundraiser
Canberra Centrelink employees have raised over $3,000 for the RSPCA by participating in the charity’s Cupcake Day.
Forty-two Canberra-based staff volunteered to bake hundreds of cupcakes for the RSPCA in their second year of taking part in the fundraiser.
Centrelink’s Annette Penny said staff raised a final amount of $3,050 which more than doubled the total raised during last year’s efforts.
“There were some fantastic examples of fine cupcake baking on show, we even had puppy cupcakes made especially for our furry friends,” Ms Penny said.
“It’s great to see so many people supporting this worthwhile cause. I have an RSPCA rescue dog at home, so it’s a charity that’s very close to my heart.”
Chief Executive Officer of RSPCA ACT, Michael Linke praised Centrelink staff for their efforts.
“It’s fantastic to see larger organisations like Centrelink taking part,” Mr Linke said.
“Last year Centrelink were among the top three fundraisers in the ACT. I was very impressed to learn they had more than doubled their total this year.
“Every cent of every cupcake sale will go directly into animal care and protection services in the ACT.”
He said RSPCA shelters in the ACT received more than 8,000 animals each year, most being cats and dogs.
25 August, 2009
Prime Ministers meet
to prime markets
A meeting between the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers in Canberra has led to a renewed focus on the Single Economic Market work program.
In their fourth bilateral meeting, Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd and his New Zealand counterpart, John Key agreed to a joint statement of intent to “give new intensity and a renewed focus to delivering the practical benefits and outcomes from the Single Economic Market.”
“This work will be guided by key principles designed to deliver more quickly and effectively the benefits of seamless trans-Tasman economy to consumers and businesses in both countries,” the Prime Ministers said.
They said the agreement also listed practical concrete outcomes on economic regulatory matters, including business law and competition policy.
Mr Rudd and Mr Key also agreed to a joint plan to streamline Tran-Tasman travel, which includes the rollout of the automated ‘SmartGate’ passenger clearance system in New Zealand.
The agreement will also see improvements to screening and processing for ‘low risk’ passengers in both countries, as well as trials of direct exit paths for passengers and the transfer of x-ray images between the two countries for improved biosecurity screening.
Other outcomes of the meeting included the endorsement of the Development Coordination Partnership, which pledges “new efforts” by Australia and New Zealand to integrate development assistance activities to improve the effectiveness of aid programs and achieve the Millennium Development Goals in the Pacific.
Mr Rudd and Mr Key said since their last meeting in March, progress had been made in a number of other key areas, including joint trade promotion activities to increase global market shares for the Trans-Tasman economy, particularly in the Asian region.
They also agreed to focus on cooperation between the Australian Productivity Commission and any future New Zealand Productivity Commission, and collaborating on the design, implementation and linking of emissions trading schemes.
The Prime Ministers are expected to meet again early next year.
25 August, 2009
Health policies
labelled unhealthy
A report by the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health has found complex and fragmented Government funding methods have been “undermining” efforts to close the health inequity gap.
The Overburden Report: Contracting for Indigenous Health Services examined how Governments fund Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS), which are effective providers of comprehensive primary health care to Indigenous Australians.
Project leader, Professor Judith Dwyer said funding arrangements were inefficient and had a complex design, making it harder for ACCHSs to deliver comprehensive primary health care.
Professor Dwyer said in one case an Aboriginal health service operating in a remote area was funded from “42 different buckets of money”, all of which required separate applications and had separate reporting requirements.
“Some of these funding grants were as low as $1,000,” she said.
“It’s not hard to imagine how accounting and reporting on this multitude of grants is a waste of precious health resources.
“It’s difficult to pull together effective comprehensive primary health care from a series of specific purpose grants all with separate reporting requirements.”
Professor Dwyer said funding and reporting should be simplified, with a greater focus placed on the long-term relationship between Government and providers.
“Evidence shows that such reforms can both free more resources for health care delivery and make accountability clearer and more focused on health outcomes,” she said.
“Primary health care needs to be responsive to the whole person or family, regardless of the different kinds of health needs they have.
“No other primary health providers are expected to cobble together a responsive whole service on the basis of tightly targeted funding for specific health problems.”
Executive Officer of the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health, Mick Gooda said obstacles to achieving the best possible health care for Indigenous Australians had to be removed.
“We are certainly not advocating a reduction in financial accountability for these medical services, indeed we strongly support such accountability, but it is counterproductive that these accountability requirements actually work against the very efficiency of the health service,” Mr Gooda said.
“It makes no sense and needs reforming as a matter of urgency.”
25 August, 2009
New border law
at cutting edge
Police, magistrates and other justice officials who operate across State borders will find it easier to deal with outback offenders following the passage of Federal legislation.
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the Law and Justice (Cross Border and Other Amendments) Bill 2009 would streamline law and justice services across jurisdictional boundaries in the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Lands of Australia’s central desert.
Mr McClelland said the NPY Lands cover around 450,000 square kilometres and straddle the borders of South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
“The Cross Border Justice Scheme is established under State and Territory legislation and was developed in response to community concerns that administration of the criminal justice system was being unnecessarily hampered by jurisdictional issues,” he said.
“The Scheme will help Police and the Courts improve public safety by more effectively addressing the high levels of family violence, substance and sexual abuse that exist in some communities in this remote region.”
Mr McClelland said the Bill made a number of changes to simplify cross border litigation by confirming the capacity of evidence to be given by audio or audiovisual link in interstate proceedings.
He said it also extended the range of subpoenas that could be served in civil proceedings between Australia and New Zealand.
25 August, 2009
Internet web catches
small business
AusIndustry has established a program to enhance its online presence and help small businesses become “internet savvy”.
Minister for Small Business, Dr Craig Emerson said the Small Business Online program would allow internet training service providers to apply for grants of between $50,000 and $500,000 to provide training and mentoring services to small businesses.
“This program aims to help small businesses to enhance their web presence and develop their e-business potential,” Dr Emerson said.
He said the National Broadband Network would provide “enormous opportunities” for small busines
ses to reduce their costs and improve their marketing reach through online endeavours.
Dr Emerson said the $10 million initiativewould support organisations that had a proven track record in delivering Information Technology training to small businesses.
He said industry associations, professional and business organisations, educational institutions and business enterprise centres were among the industry parties that should consider applying for a grant.
Dr Emerson said service providers would be selected through a competitive, merit-based application process.
The program will run until June 2011.
Applicants must complete an application form available from the AusIndustry hotline on 13 28 46.
Dr Emerson said applications closed on 25 September 2009 and that further information was available from www.ausindustry.gov.au.
25 August, 2009
Retirees join forces
The Association of retired Public Servants – the Superannuated Commonwealth Officers’ Association (SCOA) – has launched a recruitment drive to attract new members.
According to SCOA, because APS retirees are treated differently from other superannuants and often have trouble qualifying for Government benefits and concessions, membership of the association can often lead to better outcomes after retirement.
More information is available at www.scoa.asn.au or by email tofedoffice@scoa.asn.au.
Human Rights Awards open
Nominations are open for the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2009 Human Rights Medals and Awards.
The Awards recognise the outstanding efforts people are making around Australia to improve equality and protect the human rights of others.
Nominations close 2 October 2009 which further information available from www.humanrights.gov.au.
e-Tax attracts a million
Over one million people have already lodged their tax returns using the Australian Taxation Office’s online e-tax lodgement system.
Tax Commissioner, Michael D’Ascenzo said 1,239,173 people had lodged their returns via e-tax so far, an 8.5 per cent increase on the same period last year.
E-tax allows taxpayers to download information directly into their tax return including payment summaries, Government payments, bank interest and medical expense details.
E-tax was available at www.ato.gov.au.
ACMA launches privacy probe
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced it will review Privacy Guidelines for Broadcasters, following findings that Network TEN licensees had breached theCommercial Television Industry Code of Practice 2004 during two separate broadcasts.
A draft code of practice for commercial television, which is proposed to replace the existing code, has been released for public comment.
Submissions close on 25 September 2009, with further information available from www.freetv.com.au and www.acma.gov.au.
Payrise at Defence
The Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal has approved a new remuneration structure for Australian Defence Force officer aircrew and air traffic control officers.
The new Officer Aviation Remuneration Structure (OARS) introduces a flexible remuneration system that ensures over 2,000 members receive comparable pay for comparable work against the aviation industry benchmark.
The OARS is the final element of an overhaul of the ADF remuneration system which dates back to 2002.
New hall at war camp
A new Memorial Hall has been opened at the Kundasang Memorial Gardens in Malaysia to commemorate the deaths of over 2,400 Australian and British soldiers who were interned at the Sandakan prisoner of war camp during World War II.
Although not an official Australian Government memorial, the Commonwealth provided around $155,000 towards its construction.
Funding was provided by the Australian Government’s Overseas Privately-Constructed Memorial Restoration Program which is administered by the Office of Australian War Graves.
Telstra fined
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has issued Telstra with a $101,200 infringement notice for making telemarketing calls to numbers listed on the Do Not Call Register.
The ACMA and Telstra have entered into an enforceable undertaking which includes the appointment of an external consultant to review Telstra’s systems and procedures for compliance with the Register.
The ACMA began investigating Telstra’s compliance with the Act in August 2008 after receiving consumer complaints.
Data upgrade for Centrelink
Centrelink has enhanced and expanded its data storage capacity by introducing a new Staging Data Centre at Hume in the ACT.
The facility builds on the two ACT data centres already located in Tuggeranong and Bruce and is a step towards introducing a Whole of Government data centre strategy, a key recommendation in the Gershon report.
The Australian Government Information Management Office, which is coordinating the Whole of Government solution, approved Centrelink’s interim move.
Library shows off Cave
The National Library of Australia is hosting an exhibition on the life and work of Australian musician and author, Nick Cave.
Nick Cave – The Exhibition is on tour from the Arts Centre Melbourne and features hundreds of objects donated by Mr Cave such as his lyrics, notebooks and diaries, a compilation of video images and photographs and posters dating from the 1970s.
The exhibition will run until 29 November 2009.
Open Day at ADFA
The Australian Defence Force Academy is to hold its annual Open Day this week on Saturday, 29 August.
The Open Day will give future students the chance to see military displays and learn about life at the Academy.
Defence and University of New South Wales staff will be on hand to provide career and course information for interested individuals and their families.
Scanner wins prize
The CSIRO’s air cargo scanning technology team has been awarded the Defence Science and Technology Organisation Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Support of Defence or National Security.
The award recognises outstanding science or technology with the potential to develop innovative solutions for Australia’s defence and national security.
In a world first, instead of using conventional x-ray scanners the CSIRO team combines neutrons and x-rays to detect and predict the composition as well as the shape and density of an object.
Inventors’ rights protected
A report into measures that can be taken to protect the rights of Australian inventors has been released by the Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP).
Chair of the Council, Leon Allen, said the report discusses a number of proposals for reforming the enforcement of patent rights it has been issued for public comment.
The report and instructions for making a comment are atwww.acip.gov.au
18 August, 2009
Reform is buy-product
of procurement change
Further reforms to APS procurement processes have been announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner.
Aimed at improving transparency and value for money, Mr Tanner said the key components of the new Australian Government Procurement Statement included the appointment of a Procurement Officer to oversee Commonwealth practices and policies.
Mr Tanner said previously it “hadn’t been possible” to get a clear sense of purchasing practices across the Commonwealth Departments and Agencies that engaged in procurement.
“The Coordinator will help give us a clear snapshot of what Agencies are doing, and how effectively they are implementing procurement policies,” he said.
“And for the first time, members of the public will have one clear point of contact for queries or complaints about procurement practices.”
Mr Tanner said as part of the reforms, Australian firms would be encouraged to participate in procurement opportunities and Government suppliers would be expected to comply with public expectations on workplace laws and supporting training and apprenticeships.
According to the Procurement Statement, the Government will “only contract out when it is in the public interest, having regard to such considerations as the quality and accessibility of services and the implications for affected Public Sector employees.”
Mr Tanner said a key challenge in the management of the APS’s $24 billion annual spend on procurement of goods and services was the devolved nature of the Public Service, in which Chief Executives were responsible for managing the affairs of their own Agencies.
“While this decentralised system of financial management does have its benefits, it does run the risk that the Australian Government may not be fully leveraging its substantial purchasing power to achieve value for money in its procurement,” he said.
However, he said a balanced approach was important and “excessive centralisation” was not the answer to removing waste, duplication and inefficiency.
He said the Department of Finance and Deregulation was examining whether combined purchasing power in areas such as telecommunications, computers and major office machines could improve value for money.
Other measures include the appointment of industry experts in key sectors like steel to help small to medium enterprises market their goods and services to Government buyers.
Commercial-in-confidence provisions would also be reduced to improve accountability, while there would be an increased role for the Australian Industry Participation framework in large ($20m+) infrastructure projects, a move which would ensure tender specifications did not exclude Australian suppliers.
The reforms were welcomed by the Community and Public Sector Union.
National Secretary of the CPSU, Stephen Jones said it would require private sector contractors to behave responsibly if they wanted to secure Government contracts, and provide some relief to Public Servants concerned about outsourcing.
“The spectre of outsourcing has hung over the head of thousands of Public Sector employees for too long,” Mr Jones said.
“In our view outsourcing is simply a race to the bottom that not only leads to job losses, but also erodes skills and services.”
He said the policy would require all private sector contractors to meet community expectations of fair work practices and provide information showing how they complied with the Fair Work Act and principles.
18 August, 2009
Taskforce atwitter
over PS online
The Government 2.0 Taskforce has released a discussion paper on the use of Public Sector information and online engagement with citizens.
The paper, Towards Government 2.0: an Issues Paper examines how the Government could improve communication with the public and how it could build a culture favouring the disclosure of Public Sector information.
It looks at what information should be more freely available, how to tackle obstacles in the way of fostering a culture of online engagement, how Government could encourage participation in policy development and improve Government-citizen collaboration.
The Taskforce was appointed in June this year to provide advice on, and run, projects demonstrating the benefits of more active collaboration by Government with citizens and more open access to Commonwealth information.
Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner urged anyone with an interest in open Government to make a submission.
“We want to tap into the reservoirs of experience and ideas within the public and private sectors and apply them to achieve more inclusive, open and effective Government,” Mr Tanner said.
“The Taskforce wants to hear observations, both good and bad, on how we manage information and engage citizens, and the perspectives and possibilities for how to improve.”
To comment on the Paper, visit the Taskforce’s blog: http://gov2.net.au/consultation
Submissions close 23 August 2009.
18 August, 2009
Trumps reshuffled
in new deals at top
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has announced changes to a number of senior Public Service appointments.
Secretary of the Department of Finance and Deregulation, Dr Ian Watt has been appointed to head the Department of Defence, replacing Nick Warner who is to become Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service.
Associate Secretary at Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Domestic Policy Group, David Tune is to replace Dr Watt as Secretary of Finance and Deregulation.
At Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Secretary, Michael L’Estrange is to move over for Australia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dennis Richardson to take his place.
Prime Minister Rudd said Mr L’Estrange would be offered another senior position in due course.
In other changes, the current Secretary of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Patricia Scott is to become Productivity Commissioner and will be replaced by Peter Harris, who is currently Secretary of the Victorian Department of Sustainability and the Environment but who was formerly Deputy Secretary of Transport and Regional Services.
Public Service Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs is to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of Medicare Australia and the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, Helen Williams, is to retire. Ms Williams was the first female Secretary of an Australian Government Department and will be replaced by Finn Pratt, currently Chief Executive of Centrelink.
Mr Rudd also announced that Andrew Metcalfe had been reappointed Secretary of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and Philippa Godwin would become Head of the Child Support Agency.
He said Deputy Public Service Commissioner, Carmel McGregor, would act as PS Commissioner.
In commenting on the changes, Mr Rudd said Dr Watt’s move to Defence follows a period of “significant strengthening” at Finance and comes on the back of Mr Warner’s contribution which included production of the Defence White Paper, the $20 billion savings program and a wide-ranging reform program.
He said Mr Richardson’s new role at DFAT would benefit from his time as head of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) as well as his depth of foreign policy experience and understanding of international relations and although retiring, Ms Williams might continue to work for the Government in the future in a part-time capacity.
Mr Rudd said all appointments would be for five years.
18 August, 2009
Watchdog lends ear
to radio practices
The Australian Communications and Media Authority is to examine whether there are sufficient safeguards in place in the Commercial Radio Codes of Practice for people who participate in live-hosted entertainment programs.
Chairman of ACMA, Chris Chapman said the investigation followed public concern over an episode of the Kyle and Jackie O Show, broadcast by Sydney’s 2Day FM, in which a lie detector was used on a minor who was questioned about her sexual experiences.
Mr Chapman said the terms of reference had a particular focus on the treatment of children who were the subjects of such programs.
He said the investigation would consider the level and nature of community concern, using the 2Day FM episode as a case study; the practices, processes and protections already in place in industry; whether industry practices and provisions in the industry’s code are sufficient to meet the community’s concerns; and if any additional regulatory arrangements are needed
“The ACMA acknowledges that the broadcasting sector should generally be able to experiment with program genres and styles which may be attractive to its audiences,” Mr Chapman said.
“However, the strength of community concern expressed about the practices of some live-hosted entertainment programs and the ACMA’s own assessments indicate that there is emerging evidence that the current regulatory arrangements may not be keeping pace with industry practice and community standards.”
He said the investigation would be conducted under section 170 of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA) and stressed it would operate in addition to any specific investigation that the Authority may undertake into the recent episode of the Kyle and Jackie O Show.
“Under the co-regulatory framework enshrined in the Broadcasting Services Act, a code complaint into the recent incident on the Kyle and Jackie O Show would, in the normal course, be dealt with between a complainant and the licensee, with the ACMA then commencing an investigation if it receives notification from a complainant that he or she is not satisfied with 2Day FM’s response,” Mr Chapman said.
“The ACMA expects broadcasters to deal with matters of such strong community concern quickly and effectively.
“The ACMA will be considering very carefully the actions taken by the licensee to address the concerns of the community about this incident.”
The Authority has called for public submissions into the investigation.
The investigation is expected to be concluded by December 2009, with submissions due by 30 September 2009.
To make a submission, go to www.acma.gov.au
18 August, 2009
Inspector lodges
tax objection
The Inspector-General of Taxation has released a report into the efficiency, effectiveness and fairness of the way objections received by the Australian Taxation Office are managed.
Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry said the Review into the Underlying Causes and the Management of Objections to Tax Office Decisions made 12 recommendations which provided a set of principles for improving dispute resolution within the ATO.
The Inspector General recommended the Tax Office issue a public statement setting out its philosophy on objection management and handling; recognise and respect the role of objections; encourage early dispute resolution; and review its current audit work practices and training programs to ensure they align with the published philosophy.
Senator Sherry said the report also recommended the Government consider improving the legislative framework for amendments and objections to tax assessments.
“I have today asked the Treasury to closely examine the issues raised and provide me with further advice,” he said.
Senator Sherry said he believed the report would lead to improved objection management for all Australian taxpayers.
He said the review was undertaken as part of the Inspector-General’s wider examination of the ATO’s approach to settling and finalising issues with taxpayers.
A copy of the full report was available at www.igt.gov.au
18 August, 2009
Cross Tasman ties
to untie red tape
A world first agreement has been entered into by the Australian and New Zealand Governments to cut bureaucratic red tape on business reporting.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Standard Business Reporting between the two countries has been formalised, with Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry saying it ensured greater cooperation on an e-Government program to standardise reporting processes for business.
Senator Sherry said the MOU had the potential to save businesses and taxpayers from both countries millions of dollars each year.
“Reporting requirements in both countries impose a significant burden, with businesses often having to report similar information to many Government Agencies,” he said.
“In Australia alone, reducing this burden is expected to save business some $800 million a year when the program is fully implemented.”
Senator Sherry said the agreement built on successful cooperation between Australia and New Zealand as the two countries forged “closer trade and economic links” and worked towards a Single Economic Market.
He said the MOU would standardise definitions of the information that businesses reported to Government, including the terminology used in forms to pre-fill reports with data from accounting systems.
Senator Sherry said it would also provide a single secure sign-on for businesses to submit forms electronically to Government using their accounting system software.
“In Australia, more than 50 reporting forms are under review - a significant step forward in cutting red-tape and freeing up business to do what it should be doing,” he said.
Senator Sherry, who was part of an Australian Ministerial delegation visiting New Zealand, said the occasion marked one year of operation of the Australia-New Zealand Mutual Recognition Agreement.
Signed mid-last year, the Agreement allowed for the same securities offering documents to be issued in both countries, reducing red-tape and freeing up capital markets.
18 August, 2009
Migration agents to
import advice
An Advisory Board has been appointed for the newly established Office of Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans said the Board would guide the Office of the MARA, which commenced operations as the regulator of the migration advice profession on 1 July this year.
Senator Evans said the Advisory Board and the Office of the MARA were established following recommendations in the 2007–08 Review of Statutory Self-Regulation of the Migration Advice Profession, which found dissatisfaction amongst consumers and potential conflicts of interest in previous arrangements.
“Unprofessional or unethical behaviour by migration agents can seriously impact on the lives of people using their services and bring the profession into disrepute,” he said.
“The new office will implement the relevant recommendations of the review, remove concerns about potential conflicts of interest and provide confidence in the regulation of the migration agent industry.”
Senator Evans said the Board would be chaired by former lawyer and Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department, Robert Cornall.
“I believe that Mr Cornall’s expertise and experience in both the public and legal sectors will be fundamental to the success of the Board, which in turn will play a key role in the success of the new regulatory arrangements,” he said.
Mr Cornall will be joined by members who are representative of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), the Law Council of Australia, community and consumer advocates.
They include: Jenni Mack from Choice Australia (deputy chair); Sonia Caton, Refugee and Immigration Legal Service; Glenn Ferguson, Ferguson Cannon Lawyers; Robert Stirling Henry; Andrew Holloway, Victoria University; and Jim McKiernan, former senator.
Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the MARA, Christine Sykes, and a representative from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will also serve on the Board.
18 August, 2009
Child Support probe
follows money trail
An updated analysis of the third stage of child support reforms has been released.
The analysis examines the changes that took place during the first six months of the new child support formula being implemented.
The report compared parent assessments before and after the introduction of the formula, finding around 45 per cent of receiving parents had net increases in household income due to the changes, while another 45 per cent had net decreases.
For 10 per cent there was no change.
For paying parents, it found around 49 per cent found their payments had increased due to the changes, 32 per cent had their reduced, and 19 per cent had no change.
Minister for Families and Community Services, Jenny Macklin said the analysis showed most parents saw a change of less than $20 per week as a result of the reforms, with the figure being less than $10 per week in many cases.
“Recognising that Australian society has changed remarkably since the original child support formula was developed 20 years ago, the changes aim for a more balanced approach by taking into account both parents' income and the actual cost of raising children,” Ms Macklin said.
“The changes respond to the trend towards increased shared parenting and recognise that when care of a child is shared, the costs are also shared.”
The new formula, a result of the 2005 House of Representatives inquiry, Every Picture Tells a Story, was implemented in three stages, with the final phase introduced on 1 July 2008.
Ms Macklin said the analysis took into account actual changes in child support assessments and modelled changes to Family Tax Benefit.
“Compared to the first analysis, released last year, the most notable difference is that more receiving parents showed a net gain and slightly fewer showed a net loss in December 2008 compared to June 2008,” she said.
“This is largely due to parents' circumstances changing over the six month period and the recognition, under the new formula, that costs increase as children grow older.”
Ms Macklin said the Government would continue to monitor the impacts of the reforms.
As part of the reform package, the Government also improved compliance which led to an extra $235 million in child support being paid over the past three years.
The full report was available at www.fahcsia.gov.au
18 August, 2009
Geneva’s 60th marked
in conventional way
The Federal Government has celebrated the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions by ratifying the Third Additional Protocol to the Conventions.
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the Geneva Conventions were a fundamental pillar of international humanitarian law.
“They provide the international legal framework that obliges all States to protect civilians, the wounded and prisoners of war during periods of armed conflict,” Mr McClelland said.
“Australia has been a strong supporter of the Geneva Conventions since we first signed on 4 January 1950.”
He said the Protocol established a third neutral emblem for use by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - the Red Crystal.
“The Red Crystal, along with the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, is an international symbol of protection identifying persons and facilities providing medical or humanitarian aid in armed conflict and natural disasters,” he said.
“The new Red Crystal emblem will enable Red Cross societies who do not prefer to identify with either the cross or the crescent symbol to instead use the crystal to identify them as members of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement.”
Mr McClelland congratulated the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for continuing to foster the principles of international humanitarian law to limit human suffering in times of armed conflict.
“It is through humanitarian organisations such as these that for the past 60 years we have been able to work to prevent atrocities, especially against civilians, the wounded, and prisoners of war, he said.
Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner paid tribute to members of the Australian Defence Force, who he said were uniquely connected to the Conventions through their vocation, and who had displayed commitment to the principles enshrined in them.
The Government moved a Motion in the House to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Geneva Conventions.
18 August, 2009
Gallery focuses on
arty masterpieces
The National Gallery of Australia has announced a “once-in-a-lifetime” exhibition of masterpieces by some of the world’s greatest post-impressionist artists.
Masterpieces from Paris: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cézanne and beyond will be held at the Gallery from December 2009 to April 2010.
Director of the Gallery, Ron Radford said the exhibition would feature 114 paintings, including some of the best known works of modern art borrowed from the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
Mr Radford said artists whose works would feature in the exhibition included Georges Seurat, Pierre Bonnard, Claude Monet, Maurice Denis and Édouard Vuillard.
“These works almost never leave the Musée d’Orsay even singly and never before in these numbers,”he said.
“This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for art lovers and first-timers, students and families to see these renowned works that many have grown up with in art history books.”
Mr Radford said it was one of the most “exceptional art events” ever to be hosted in Australia.
“Never before have so many famous masterpieces been brought together for one exhibition in this country,” he said.
“We are delighted to be co-curating this exhibition with the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the museum with the most significant holdings of Post-Impressionist art in the world.”
18 August, 2009
Security paper
gets clearance
A discussion paper on proposed national security legislation has been released for public consultation.
Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said the proposed amendments sought to protect Australia, its people and its interests while ensuring the laws were exercised in a “just and accountable way.”
Mr McClelland said the focus of Australia’s national security and counter-terrorism laws remained on preventing terrorist attacks from occurring rather than waiting to punish people who committed them.
He said the Paper focused on extending police powers to allow them to search premises without a warrant if they believed there was a threat to the public due to terrorists and introducing new emergency powers to extend the time available to police when re-entering a premise (under search warrant) from one to 12 hours.
The paper also proposed expanding the definition of a ‘terrorist act’ to include psychological as well as physical harm; introducing a ‘terrorism hoax offence’ with a maximum punishment of 10 years for people who pretend a terrorist attack was being planned; and establishing a maximum seven day limit on the amount of time that could be specified by a magistrate and disregarded from an investigation period in relation to an alleged terrorism offence.
Mr McClelland said the paper looked at including a right of appeal for the prosecution and defendant against bail decisions; creating an offence of inciting violence against an individual on the basis of race, religion, nationality, national origin or political opinion; and extending the expiration period of regulations proscribing a terrorist organisation from two to three years.
He said proposals that the National Security Information (Criminal and Civil Proceedings) Act 2004 be amended so national security and counter-terrorism court proceedings could be expedited; and establishing a Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement to extend parliamentary oversight were also discussed in the paper.
Mr McClelland said the Government had provided the proposed amendments to State and Territory Governments for their consideration.
“This Discussion Paper provides the community and other stakeholders with the opportunity to participate in the process of amending Australia's national security and counter-terrorism laws,” he said.
“The Government has also introduced legislation to establish a National Security Legislation Monitor to review the practical operation of national security and counter-terrorism legislation on an annual basis.”
The Discussion Paper will be open for public comment until 25 September 2009 and is available at www.ag.gov.au
18 August, 2009
Baird made for
student study
The Government has appointed former Coalition MP, Bruce Baird to lead a review into international education in Australia.
Mr Baird will review the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, to see if any enhancements to its legal framework are needed.
The review aims to ensure Australia offers world class international education.
Mr Baird’s review will focus on four key areas – supporting the interests of students; delivering quality Australian education; effective regulation; and the sustainability of the international education sector.
As part of the review, Mr Baird will hold forums with key stakeholders and consider the results of the International Student Round Table to be held in Canberra in early September.
An interim report from the Review is to be presented for consideration by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November 2009, with a final report expected in early 2010.
Minister for Education, Julia Gillard said an issues paper would be released on the website of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations in the coming weeks.
Submissions could be made from September.
Mr Baird was member for Cook in NSW in the House of Representatives from October 1998 to November 2007 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sydney and an MBA from the University of Melbourne.
He is a former Assistant Trade Commissioner at the Australian Embassy in Bonn, Germany and Trade Commissioner at Australian Consulate-General in New York.
Further information on the review was available from www.aei.gov.au
18 August, 2009
Charity begins at
Centrelink office
Charity begins in the office for the Port Macquarie (NSW) staff of Centrelink who have collected piles of blankets, warm clothing, toiletries, food and baby items to donate to local charities and make winter a little warmer for the local community.
Manager of Port Macquarie Centrelink, David Goldstein said the goods were donated to local charities including St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, Uniting Care and Wauchope Neighbourhood Centre by Centrelink’s General Manager, Hank Jongen.
Mr Goldstein said Centrelink staff was always happy to help its local community.
“Staff are passionate about making a positive difference to the less fortunate in our community, so organising this donation of winter goods is their way of showing they care,” he said.
“Centrelink staff regularly visit local homeless shelters and charitable organisations to gain a better understanding of how they operate and what their needs are.”
Mr Goldstein said difficult times could fall on any one at anytime including young people, families and the elderly.
“Every bit of assistance we can give, whether it be through Centrelink payments and services or the staff putting their hand up for charities helps,” he said.
Mr Goldstein said staff worked in partnership with other Government and community Agencies to help people in crisis situations across the country.
“I would urge anyone seeking support or who needs information about Government services for people in crisis to contact the nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre,” he said.
18 August, 2009
People power runs new
democracy exhibition
A new exhibition examining how everyday people participate in democracy has opened at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
Director of the Museum, Jenny Anderson said Living Democracy: the power of the people explored how Australians could make a difference to the running of the country.
“It’s important that Australians understand that democracy isn’t just something you have, but something you live day-to-day, connecting all facets of your life,” Ms Anderson said.
“Democracy isn’t just about politics but about stories of real people using their voice to do extraordinary things.”
She said a key part of the exhibition was a mosaic with 80 interviews with Australians on a wide variety of topics, ranging from compulsory voting to whether we should be a monarchy or a republic.
Some high-profile interviewees include actor Jack Thompson, Bruce Beresford, Terry Hicks (father of former Guantanamo Bay detainee David Hicks) and Quentin Kenihan.
Another feature is a camel ballot box, on loan from South Australia’s Migration Museum, which was designed to strap onto a camel and be taken from town to town to collect ballots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Ms Anderson said visitors would also be able to see a torch that travelled across Australia in 2008 as part of GetUp’s Climate Torch Relay.
The Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House opened in May this year.
It traces democracy from its earliest origins and captivates visitors’ imagination through the stories of ordinary people using their voices to achieve extraordinary things.
The Museum is open daily 9.00am to 5.00pm.
18 August, 2009
Language policy is
talk of the town
The United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, held on 9 August, has been used to announce a new National Indigenous Languages Policy.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Minister for the Arts, Peter Garrett said the policy initiative aimed to preserve Indigenous languages and help Indigenous Australians to connect with their culture.
A recent report found of the 145 Indigenous languages still spoken in Australia, 110 were at risk of disappearing.
Ms Macklin and Mr Garrett said the new national approach would improve coordination between organisations who were already working to support Indigenous languages including Government, cultural institutions, Indigenous language organisations, and education and research bodies.
They said it focused on five key areas including drawing national attention to the languages; encouraging the use of endangered languages; ensuring Government recognition of languages in areas where they are spoken fully and passed on; helping restore the use of rarely spoken or unspoken Indigenous languages; and supporting the teaching and learning of Indigenous languages in Australian schools.
“We recognise the intrinsic connection between languages, culture and country and the vital role they play in building and enriching Indigenous community life,” Mr Garrett said.
“These languages are also a significant part of Australia's heritage, and we must ensure they are protected for the benefit of future generations.”
Mr Garrett said a focused and coordinated national approach was “critical to safeguard Indigenous culture “and save the languages.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma welcomed the announcement.
“Protecting Indigenous languages is about protecting our futures, our cultures and our lives for future generations,” Commissioner Calma said.
He urged the Northern Territory Government to reconsider its plans to dismantle bilingual education through its mandatory four hours of English policy.
“The Northern Territory Government’s decision to enforce four hours of English in all Northern Territory schools is bad policy and goes against the spirit of what the Australian Government agreed to in April this year when it formally endorsed the Declaration,” Commissioner Calma said.
“The Northern Territory Government’s policy erodes the potential for the continuation of our languages and cultures.”
18 August, 2009
Audit points bone at
Indigenous childcare
The Department of Finance and Deregulation has released a report on Indigenous child care.
The report, Performance Audit of Indigenous Professional Support Units, examined the effectiveness of the management of Indigenous Professional Support Units (IPSUs) by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).
It said IPSUs provided professional development, advice and resources for eligible Indigenous child care services and are managed under the Professional Support Program, which in turn is a component of a larger Inclusion and Professional Support Program (IPSP) that aims to support and enhance the inclusion and professional development needs of child care services.
The report assessed IPSUs’ management of funding and service delivery, as well as their contribution to the improved delivery of Indigenous child care.
Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner said the audit report found IPSUs had been effective in assessing and addressing Indigenous child care services' needs. Mr Tanner said the audit made four recommendations, including that DEEWR develop a program logic to better articulate the relationship between the desired Council of Australian Governments early childhood outcomes and the work of the Inclusion and Professional Support Program.
He said DEEWR was also recommended to review its funding methodology for the IPSU initiative; undertake a needs analysis of Indigenous child care services; and simplify reporting and performance measures for individual IPSUs and Inclusion Support Agencies.
Mr Tanner said DEEWR had agreed with the recommendations, which were consistent with the Department's approach to further developing the IPSP.
18 August, 2009
Indigenous housing
to blaze new trails
A discussion paper has been released on possible amendments to the Native Title Act (Native Title Act 1993) aimed at speeding up public housing construction and infrastructure in remote Indigenous communities.
Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin and Attorney-General, Robert McClelland said uncertainty about native title processes could cause delays to programs that delivered housing and infrastructure to Indigenous communities.
Ms Macklin and Mr McClelland said there were no current native title process for progressing housing and infrastructure development that benefited Indigenous communities.
“This uncertainty in the Act is creating delays,” they said.
The discussion paper looked at streamlining and improving provisions in the Act to allow public housing and infrastructure programs to be delivered more quickly to remote Indigenous communities.
It proposed a specific process to ensure housing and infrastructure could be built quickly following consultation with native title parties, without adversely impacting any native title rights.
Ms Macklin and Mr McClelland said the Government expected the new process to speed up a range of projects in Indigenous communities including public housing, medical clinics, schools and police stations, street lighting, water supply and electricity distribution.
“The proposals raised in the discussion paper protect underlying native title,” they said.
“Native title would not be extinguished, and existing heritage protection laws would continue to apply.”
Submissions were due by 4 September 2009, with further information available from www.fahcsia.gov.au
18 August, 2009
PS conference for Solomons
The Solomon Islands is to host the South Pacific Public Service Conference on 10 October.
Newspaper, the Solomon Star reported the Minister for Public Service, Milner Tozaka said it would give Public Servants the opportunity to meet their counterparts and discuss common issues.
The conference is funded by the Australia Public Service Commission, New Zealand Public Service Commission and Commonwealth Secretariat.
Watchdogs meet
Commissioners from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and members of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority have met with the Board of the Finance Industry Council of Australia.
The meeting was part of regular dialogue between financial regulators, ASIC and APRA, and associations representing financial market participants.
The organisations discussed regulatory and industry issues in light of the global financial crisis and reviewed policy initiatives being developed in response to the Leaders of the G20, and their application in Australia.
Computer concern
The Community and Public Sector Union has approached Comcare to investigate the health and safety risks of new equipment being installed by the Australian Taxation Office.
The CPSU said it had concerns about the introduction of Siebel, with member feedback saying it failed to meet Australian standards such as requiring onscreen text to be at least 3mm in size.
The CPSU said Siebel failed to “adhere to the ATO policy regarding a safe screen based working environment” and may have led to increased overuse injuries and higher stress levels.
Health and Safety representatives have lodged Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) with the ATO.
New park for NSW
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has received over 24 hectares of land to make up the Goorooyarroo nature reserve.
The land, which is located in the NSW/ACT border, has been transferred in line with the Government’s new Commonwealth Property Disposals Policy which aimed to release surplus land for use in ways that would benefit communities.
The transfer of the land to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is to ensure it is not developed, cleared or allowed to deteriorate.
Library wins charts
Visitors to the National Library of Australia will have the opportunity to view four rare Dutch navigational charts, on loan from businessman Kerry Stokes.
The charts, circa 1725-1740, are the only of their kind in Australian hands and were issued with other charts and instruments to voyages bound for the East Indies.
Two of them show parts of Western Australia.
They are made from vellum or calf-skin and were used to plot voyages by what is now known as the Dutch East India Company.
Firefighters wanted
Airservices Australia has called for fit Australians to join its elite Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting service.
Its recruitment drive for 2010 targets male and female applicants from all cultures and backgrounds who are strong, agile and fit.
Successful applicants will undertake a rigorous 10-week training regime in Melbourne before joining over 600 fire fighters based at 21 of Australia’s busiest airports.
Applications close on 30 August, with further information available from www.airservicesaustralia.com
Txting is out-of-this-world
Australians participating in National Science Week celebrations will be able to send messages to possible alien life forms thanks to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex at Tidbinbilla in the ACT and NASA.
Interested people can send goodwill messages to the closest Earth-like planet outside the solar system by leaving posts at www.HelloFromEarth.net.
The messages will be transmitted by the Deep Space Communication Complex and will arrive in the planet’s vicinity around December 2029.
The initiative was supported by Questacon, CSIRO, NASA, and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Post-Detection Committee of the International Academy of Astronautics.
11 August, 2009
Briggs lays down law
on Opposition contact
Public Service Commissioner, Lynelle Briggs has rejected suggestions that Public Servants are free to give Government information to the Opposition.
Ms Briggs made the statement after Coalition Senator, George Brandis claimed it was “the most common thing in the world” for Senators to “have conversations with people who are going to come before their Committees.”
Ms Briggs said this was not normal practice.
“It is not commonplace for Public Servants to meet with Opposition parties to brief them before Senate Committee hearings, and it should never happen without the knowledge and consent of their Agency head or Minister,” she said
“As Public Servants, we serve the Government, regardless of its political complexion.
“It is not part of our role as APS employees to serve the Opposition.”
Ms Briggs said Public Servants should have little contact with Opposition or other non-Government parties and should refer requests for briefings to the relevant Minister’s office.
“This is a key consideration in the way in which we manage official information,” she said.
Ms Briggs said integrity impartiality, accountability and professionalism were key to the APS’s public standing.
“Public servants are also required by law to behave honestly and with integrity and to act with care and diligence in the course of their employment,” she said.
“They must comply with all Australian laws, not provide false or misleading information, and maintain appropriate confidentiality about their dealings with Ministers.”
Ms Briggs said the Public Service Act outlined these duties and the ethical framework which APS employees should follow.
“We do not allow party politics to interfere with giving unbiased and objective advice to Government…we implement the decisions of Government irrespective of what our own views might be about them,” she said.
Ms Briggs said ‘leakers’ who unlawfully released official information should not be confused with whistleblowers, who sought to maintain the integrity of the system by seeking to correct perceived wrongs by reporting them to authorities.
11 August, 2009
Talking computers
have the last word
Centrelink is to become the first Government Agency to introduce a talking website.
Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen said the ReadSpeaker™ would allow customers to listen to information on the website.
Mr Bowen said the new text-to-speech technology would allow clients with low vision, low levels of literacy or those who spoke English as a second language to access Centrelink information.
“Centrelink eServices, speaker verification technology, and the installation of an increased amount of self-service PCs at Centrelink offices are part of a concerted effort to improve the convenience and information for customers,” he said.
The initiative has been welcomed by Vision Australia’s General Manager of Policy and Advocacy, Michael Simpson, who said it would benefit people with low vision.
“This new feature for accessing Centrelink's web based information will be a real boost for thousands of people who have limited vision or who suffer eye strain,” Mr Simpson said.
“If this technology became a feature of all websites it would make information access much easier for people with low vision.”
He said the website was a “great example” of combining the ReadSpeaker technology with web accessibility guidelines.
The ReadSpeaker application is free, works with the lowest broadband speeds and does not require a software download.
The application could be accessed by visiting www.centrelink.gov.au and selecting the listen feature.
11 August, 2009
Watchdog takes bite
out of accountability
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has criticised a lack of quality controls and accountability in grants schemes.
In his report, Executive Schemes, Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said the programs in question were those not based in legislation, but in Agency guidelines and policy statements.
Professor McMillan said the schemes included benefits such as emergency financial assistance, drought relief, health payments and LPG conversion.
He said the ability for Agencies to quickly set up the schemes and adjust them when needed allowed them to be flexible and respond to changing conditions, but meant the public could suffer.
“The checks and balances that apply to legislation are missing,” Professor McMillan said.
“The rules of executive schemes are not tabled in Parliament, the rules may not be professionally drafted, and decisions are not appealable to a tribunal.”
He said his office received regular complaints in relation to decisions made under executive schemes and that his investigation found similar problems across Agencies.
Professor McMillan’s report drew upon on case studies from several organisations including the Departments of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations; Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; and Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
He said many grant applicants were unaware of closing dates which had not been published and some scheme rules were ambiguous and poorly drafted.
Professor McMillan said other problems included rule changes which were applied retrospectively to rejected applications; different versions of a scheme were sometimes applied inconsistently within an Agency; and defective decisions that could not be independently reviewed and corrected.
He called on Agencies to follow eight best practice principles when developing and managing executive schemes:
- Develop full eligibility criteria that reflect the scheme’s policy intent
- Ensure guidelines are legally and technically sound
- Ensure comprehensive, accurate and up-to-date information is publicly available
- Publish details of executive schemes in annual reports
- Do not apply changes to a scheme retrospectively to disadvantage applicants
- Monitor implementation of a scheme by the Agency with policy responsibility
- Introduce quality controls in decision making
- Include procedures for complaint handling and internal review
“It is important that Governments can respond promptly to emergencies with offers of financial aid and other assistance, such as the recovery package available to people affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires,” Professor McMillan said.
“However, there must be safeguards.”
A copy of Executive Schemes was available from www.ombudsman.gov.au
11 August, 2009
More information on
information changes
The Australian Public Service should not be concerned that freedom of information reforms will inhibit its ability to give frank and fearless advice, according to the Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig.
In an address to the Administrative Law Forum, Senator Ludwig said the proposed legislation aimed to increase disclosure through FOI and would still allow Public Servants to work professionally within the new framework.
He said while it was “never intended that the FOI Act be a code on access to Government documents”, discretion was emphasised in the current Act in relation to the disclosure of exempt documents.
“To complement that measure, the provisions in the Act which protect officials and Ministers from certain civil and criminal proceedings are to be extended so that they cover disclosures of documents made in good faith in circumstances where the documents may be technically exempt or where disclosure is made outside the FOI Act,” Senator Ludwig said.
He said although it was in the public interest for Ministers to receive written advice on matters relating to their responsibilities, whether an exemption would be sustained would depend on the subject matter and circumstances.
“Political sensitivity will not be an argument against disclosure,” Senator Ludwig said.
Key changes to the Act include the introduction of a new, single form of public interest test weighted towards disclosure.
Senator Ludwig said “inappropriate” reasons for the refusal of disclosure, such as Government embarrassment or possible misinterpretation of a document, would be removed.
He said Agencies would still be required to publish information about their operations, along with the material they used to inform decisions that affected the public.
“This publication scheme will also require Agencies to actively consider the types of information they have which can and should be made available to the public,” Senator Ludwig said.
“It will not only encourage but mandate Agencies to publish what they can lawfully publish.”
He said the scheme did not aim to have Agencies publish all their records
“Agencies will not be required to publish information prohibited from disclosure under other laws or information that would be exempt under the FOI Act,” Senator Ludwig said.
He said the new Information Commissioner would improve the effectiveness of FOI, although reviews could still be undertaken by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) as a safeguard for complex cases.
Senator Ludwig said the new structure would make FOI more accessible and would address complaints by FOI applicants that documents were disclosed only when pressure was applied through AAT appeals.
11 August, 2009
Call for Indigenous
to spearhead talks
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Tom Calma has called for Indigenous people to play a central role in developing the policies that affect them.
Commissioner Calma made his call in the lead up to the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, held on 9 August.
He said Indigenous people needed to be involved to help find solutions to problems such as education, culture, health and human rights.
“We are not immune from these challenges in Australia and I urge us all to keep our eye on the ball and continue to build on the giant steps forward we’ve recently taken as a nation in relation to our Indigenous people,” Commissioner Calma said.
He said the Government had taken a number of positive steps towards eliminating inequality such as saying ‘sorry’ and formally supporting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Yet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples remain marginalised in Australia and face entrenched poverty and ongoing discrimination on a daily basis,” Commissioner Calma said.
“We need to step up to the mark and put the Declaration to immediate use by ensuring it guides and articulates minimum standards for Governments to use in addressing those areas where Australia’s Indigenous people still face inequality.”
Commissioner Calma welcomed the establishment of a new national representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, saying it followed the UN Declaration and would offer Indigenous people “a ray of hope” for participation in the decision-making process.
“Indigenous people must be involved in the policies and programs which impact on their futures,” he said.
“We will not have provided solutions to all the challenges we face until Indigenous people have true participation and are real partners in efforts to Close the Gap in health, education, housing and have access to the same human rights protections as other Australians.”
11 August, 2009
Defence DVD fills gap
in service families
The Chief of the Defence Force has launched a DVD to help families deal with the absence of a relative.
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said the resource, Going Solo – Dealing with Absence in Defence Families, would help Australian Defence Force (ADF) families whose loved ones were serving away from home.
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the absences were not just related to deployment, exercises or training.
“We want to help families work through all kinds of service absences. This DVD is an exciting new resource that will be a great help to our families as they plan for their member’s absence,” he said
“We hope that it will assist our families develop ways that they as a family can stay connected while the member is absent.”
Air Chief Marshal Houston said the DVD featured advice from several ADF families on how to manage and remain connected during the absence of a loved one.
“It is a part of life in the ADF that, from time to time, members have to be absent from home for service reasons,” he said.
The DVD was also designed to be used as a conversation starting point for family discussions on how they could prepare themselves for the absence.
“We are so glad that we have had families willing to share their experiences,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.
“There is a great wealth of knowledge in our community and success comes from being able to share this knowledge and let all families benefit from what others have learnt.”
11 August, 2009
Ombudsman advises
on wrong PS advice
People who suffer losses as a result of incorrect Government advice, information or practices should be compensated better according to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan said improvements were needed to the delivery of the Scheme for Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration (CDDA).
Professor McMillan said the CDDA, which applies to over 100 Government Agencies, allowed people who had experienced losses due to inaccurate Government advice to receive compensation without the need for legal proceedings.
“It is vitally important that this scheme is administered fairly and in line with its stated purpose of restoring claimants to the position they would have been in had there been no administrative error,” he said.
Professor McMillan said the scheme played an important role in providing a remedy to people who had received inaccurate advice from a Government Agency.
“Government schemes can be highly complex, and people understandably rely on Government Agencies for accurate and timely advice,” he said.
“If the wrong advice is given, people rightly expect to be compensated for their loss.”
Professor McMillan said some Government Agencies were reluctant to admit to errors or approve worthy claims.
“CDDA decision-making will be improved if there is a less defensive and legalistic approach by Agencies to assessing claims,” he said.
“A CDDA claimant believes that the Government has done the wrong thing by them—they have a right to complain and to have their complaint taken seriously and assessed fairly.”
In writing his report, Putting things right: compensating for defective administration, Professor McMillan looked at the policies and practices of three sample service delivery Agencies - the Australian Taxation Office, the Child Support Agency and Centrelink - to identify how the scheme could be improved.
He made a number of recommendations that included publicising the scheme more widely, establishing an inter-departmental advisory or review panel to deal with disputed or exceptional CDDA claims, improving case monitoring and dealing with needless delays in finalising cases.
A copy of the report was available from www.ombudsman.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Audit stalls Treasury
in OzCar examination
An investigation into the Government’s handling of the OzCar fund by the Australian National Audit Office has cleared the Prime Minister and Treasurer of any wrongdoing, but found Treasury’s policy implementation processes could be improved.
In his report, Representations to the Department of the Treasury in Relation to Motor Dealer Financing,the Auditor-General, Ian McPhee said Treasury’s policy development was sound and made use of independent expert advice and input from stakeholders when it was implementing the Special Purpose Vehicle scheme designed to provide a finance source for car dealers.
He said, however that “less attention” was given to managing the implementation.
“There was not a clear delineation between the policy and implementation phases given the urgency and evolving environment which required ongoing policy formulation,” the Auditor-General said.
He said Treasury management testified that Senior Executive Service officer, Godwin Grech, who admitted forging a controversial email, was offered extra support and had given the impression that the implementation was on track.
“Nevertheless, there was evidence that implementation was lagging, suggesting the need for Treasury to allocate additional resources and skills,” he said.
The Auditor-General said the under-resourcing of the program’s implementation placed a considerable workload on Mr Grech, who had primary responsibility for the development and management of the policy measure.
The report was critical of Mr Grech’s behaviour, and found confidentiality about dealings with Ministers and staff was not maintained, and that some “email communications and interactions with third parties were inappropriate.”
The report also found improper use was made of confidential information in order to assist various outside parties.
The Auditor-General found that while each representation received by Treasury was made through an appropriate channel, the Department’s responses varied from not responding to providing extensive assistance.
He said the audit reinforced the importance of effective implementation to achieving policy goals.
“Amongst other things, implementation requires effective governance, risk management, procurement and contract management, the right type and quantum of resources, and oversight and review,” the Auditor-General said.
“The experience of the issues arising from the implementation of the motor dealer financing SPV is a timely reminder for Treasury, and Public Service Agencies more generally, that strength in policy development needs to be matched by strength in program delivery to achieve desired outcomes.”
Mr McPhee did not make any recommendations in his report as his investigators didn’t examine whether the shortcomings of policy implementation were isolated or widespread.
“However, Treasury is encouraged to review its practices more broadly in the light of the matters raised in this report,” he said.
11 August, 2009
Childcare operators
to show and tell
Changes to childcare reporting requirements to be introduced this week will require all vacancy information to be posted online.
Minister for Early Childhood Education and Child Care, Kate Ellis said from this week all child care services would have to report the number of vacant places for each day of the week in a bid to improve transparency in the child care sector.
Ms Ellis said parents would be able to access the information from the Child Care Access Hotline as soon as services reported the new data and from www.mychild.gov.au in the coming months.
“The inclusion of this information on 'mychild' will make it easier for parents to compare services and select appropriate care for the particular needs of their family,” she said.
“Through the mychild website, the Government is providing a comprehensive childcare hub which includes information on locations, fees, services and early learning programs via a searchable database of more than 8,000 child care providers.”
Ms Ellis said organisations would be required to report the number of vacant places based on a new standard definition.
“Vacancy information had previously been determined by individual child care services, with no common definition, making it difficult for parents to compare availability,” she said.
“The new standard definition is crucial to providing parents with accurate, useful and comparable information.”
For more information go to www.mychild.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Review opens gates
to foreign investors
The screening framework surrounding Australia’s foreign investment is to be reviewed in a bid to help Australia recover from the global recession, according to the Treasurer, Wayne Swan.
Mr Swan said some screening requirements on foreign investors imposed unnecessary compliance costs on businesses.
“Foreign investment is vital to Australia's future growth and prosperity because it creates jobs, boosts innovation and skills, and promotes healthy competition in our industries,” he said.
Mr Swan said disincentives were affecting foreign investors seeking to establish businesses in Australia.
He said the Government would replace the four lowest thresholds for private business investment with the highest of these – a single threshold of 15 per cent in a business worth $219 million.
“This means private foreign investment in Australian businesses below $219 million can proceed without review,” Mr Swan said.
He said the Government would also index the new unified threshold on 1 January every year to keep pace with inflation and to prevent foreign investment screening from becoming more restrictive over time.
Mr Swan said the existing requirement that private investors notify the Government when establishing a new business valued above $10 million in Australia would be abolished.
“These are important measures to ensure that the Government does not become unnecessarily involved in uncontroversial business transactions,” he said.
“Based on 2008-09 figures, around 20 per cent of all business applications will no longer be screened by the Foreign Investment Review Board.”
Mr Swan said he expected the amendments would be introduced to Parliament in September 2009.
“The global financial crisis has highlighted that Australia is not immune from the fallout when global markets struggle to function and when international capital retreats,” he said.
“These reforms will help boost Australia's growth as the global economy recovers – streamlining Australia's foreign investment regime, cutting red tape and compliance costs, and improving Australia's competitiveness as a place to invest.”
11 August, 2009
McMullan makes point.
Pacific missing goals
The Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan has reported that the Pacific region is “seriously off track” in its efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
Releasing the second annual Tracking Development and Governance in the Pacific report, Mr McMullan said a new development framework was needed for the Pacific to improve expenditure priorities by Governments and to coordinate resources.
“The people of the Pacific expect us all, donors and Pacific Island Governments alike, to do much better,” he said.
“Some countries have made significant progress towards the MDGs.”
Mr McMullan said countries that had made improvements included the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, which had more than halved their rates of malaria infection between 2003 and 2008.
“This shows that quick development gains are possible with strong commitments from Government and development partners,” he said.
Mr McMullan said while there had been some progress in the Pacific, there were also some troubling figures.
He said around 400,000 children across the region did not attend primary school and around 64 out of every 1,000 children died before the age of five.
“Perhaps most worryingly, in some countries the number of mothers dying while giving birth is getting worse,” Mr McMullan said.
Launching the report at the Lowy Institute conference, The Pacific Islands and the
World, in Brisbane, Mr McMullan said Governments needed better plans, budget frameworks and financial systems that prioritised resources to the MDGs.
“Donors must coordinate better, cut back on the multitude of inconsistent projects and follow the lead of Pacific Island countries,” he said.
“Experience from the region demonstrates that improved Government effectiveness is
achievable and critical for the MDGs.”
Mr McMullan said across the Pacific in 2008 a 10 per cent improvement in Government effectiveness, as measured by the World Bank, would have resulted in around 1,800 fewer children dying before their fifth birthday.
“As the report highlights, together we bring the resources necessary to turn ambition into reality and make faster progress towards the MDGs,” he said.
A copy of the report was available from www.ausaid.gov.au
11 August, 2009
High achievement
at drug agency
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority caught a higher proportion of athletes and support personnel doping in 2008-09 than in the previous year.
Chairman of ASADA, Richard Ings said the Authority’s success was due to its strategy of combining target testing with investigations into evidence of doping brought to their attention by partner Government Agencies.
Mr Ings said the proportion of athletes and support personnel caught doping as a direct result of ASADA’s enhanced investigations and intelligence work rose to 38 per cent of matters in 2008-09, up from 19 per cent in 2007-08.
“The combination of the ability to investigate serious anti-doping rule violations with target testing is now an indispensible part of ASADA’s comprehensive anti-doping capability,” he said.
“This result continues the trend evident since the launch of ASADA in 2006 that those involved in doping face a greater chance of being caught.”
Mr Ings said the Authority placed 29 athletes and support personnel onto the Register of Findings for violating doping rules in 2008-09.
He said ASADA had built on its relationship with Customs and Border Protection through mutual intelligence sharing.
Mr Ings said ASADA had also continued its comprehensive testing program, completing 7,498 urine and blood tests during the year with 5,443 athletes from 57 sports providing a sample.
11 August, 2009
New TV show to
show old treasures
A television series developed by Screen Australia and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts in association with the ABC has been launched.
The 10-week series - Australia's Heritage: National Treasures - will see the Chaser’s Chris Taylor visit some of the country’s most significant heritage sites.
Minister for Heritage and the Arts, Peter Garrett said the show would showcase the places, objects and stories that revealed Australia’s Indigenous, natural and historic heritage.
“The mini-documentary series and website will introduce a whole new generation of Australians to our heritage, from stories about Ned Kelly to Francis De Groot's upstaging of the official opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge through to the inspiring story of the Vincent Lingiari led Wave Hill Walk-off,” Mr Garrett said.
“The series brings to life stories about people, places and events that have helped create our nation.”
The show premiered on ABC1 on 6 August, starting with the story of the Eureka Stockade.
The series will also feature Western Australia's Fremantle Prison and Batavia Shipwreck site’ Victoria's Royal Exhibition Building, Bonegilla Migrant Camp and the Melbourne Cricket Ground’ and South Australia's Naracoorte Fossil Mammal Site.
Australia's Heritage: National Treasures screens on Thursdays at 6:50pm.
11 August, 2009
Tax agents collect
discussion paper
New regulations for a national tax agents system have been released for comment.
Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry said the final version of the Exposure Draft Tax Agent Services Regulations outlined the requirements of tax agents under the new regime.
“With these new national regulations, consumers can be sure tax agent services meet the appropriate professional and ethical standards,” Senator Sherry said.
He said the draft included the qualifications and work experience requirements for registration as a tax agent or Business Activity Statement (BAS) agent under the new regime; application fees for registration; and the requirements necessary for recognition as a professional association or recognised BAS agent association.
Senator Sherry said the proposed reforms complemented the Tax Agent Services Act 2009, which went through Parliament this year, and the Tax Agent Services (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009 whichhas been finalised and introduced.
“Together with the Regulations released today, Australia is one step closer to finalising a national tax agent regime, a project that has been over 10 years in the making,” he said.
“I can confirm for industry and the community that we are on track for a start to the full regime in early 2010.”
Senator Sherry said the final consultation was “a very important element” of discussions with the sector and encouraged the industry to have their say.
He said the consultation period closed on 26 August 2009, with further information available from www.treasury.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Patent Office makes
mark on trade
IP Australia has developed an accredited training package to assist small businesses to protect their intellectual property.
Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry, Richard Marles said the training courses were important because businesses relied on the competitive advantage of IP, which included patents, trademarks and designs.
Mr Marles said understanding IP rights was critical and that the training offered small businesses practical knowledge about how to protect and benefit from IP.
“IP is the competitive advantage many businesses rely on which is why these new training courses are so important,” he said.
“Australian small businesses are smart, tough and resilient. Awareness of IP and its effective management will help businesses grow.”
Mr Marles said the training packages would be available from semester two this year, and would consist of eight units covering all aspects of IP, such as managing IP to grow business, protecting business identity and protecting new inventions.
“I strongly encourage the 4,500 Registered Training Organisations which provide accredited training across Australia to offer this suite of IP units,” he said.
The IP training package is funded by IP Australia, and aimed at giving small businesses the skills to compete in today’s knowledge-based economy.
For more information go to www.ipaustralia.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Corroboree call on
Indigenous heritage
Public comment has been called on a discussion paper examining Australian laws to protect Indigenous heritage.
Minister for Heritage, Peter Garrett said it was an opportunity for the community to share its ideas on making the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 more effective in protecting traditional areas and objects significant to Indigenous Australians.
Mr Garrett said his Department would work with Indigenous Australians, industry and Government to seek feedback on the current operation of Act and how it could promote a more cooperative approach to Indigenous heritage protection.
“It's important to make sure that any reforms to this legislation give Indigenous Australians the best opportunities to protect their traditional heritage, in balance with other social and economic considerations,” he said.
“This will help Indigenous Australians to maintain their traditions and cultural identity, ensuring Australia's exceptional cultural heritage is conserved and shared for generations to come.”
Mr Garrett said stakeholders should express their views on the discussion paper, which outlined possible reforms.
He said representatives of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts would visit around 30 regional centres across the country to consult with the public.
“All Australians benefit from protecting Indigenous heritage,” Mr Garrett said.
“It enriches our shared culture and demonstrates our nation's commitment to respecting Indigenous culture.”
For more information go to www.heritage.gov.au
11 August, 2009
Gershon to talk
Sir Peter Gershon is to be a key speaker at the 2009 Oceania Computer Audit, Control and Security Conference.
The conference, which will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra from 6 to 11 September, will look at topics such as information technology assurance, governance and security challenges facing organisations in the future.
Sir Peter led an independent review of the Government's use and management of ICT in 2008, commonly known as the Gershon Review.
Chief Internal Auditor at the Australian Taxation Office, Bruce Turner will also speak at the conference.
More information from www.isaca-canberra.org.au
CSIRO gets climate ship
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is to acquire a new ocean-going research vessel to more than double its ocean climate and geosciences research capabilities.
The new 85-metre vessel will be purchased with $120 million in Government funding and will replace the Southern Surveyor.
The new vessel will allow the CSIRO to track ocean structure and contribute to the sustainable development and management of ocean resources.
Tax pockets $13B
The Australian Taxation Office has collected over $13 billion in liabilities and unpaid taxes during 2008-09.
This represents a two per cent increase in liabilities and a six per cent increase in collections during 2007-08.
Those finding it hard to meet their tax obligations have been encouraged to contact the ATO as soon as possible to make payment arrangements that best suit them.
Sub training back for Navy
The Royal Australian Navy is to benefit from the reinstatement of pressurised submarine escape training after signing a contract with the Underwater Centre Fremantle to recommence training at HMAS Stirling.
Since early 2009, escape training for Navy submariners had been undertaken in Quebec, Canada.
The new contract allows training to be undertaken in a local capacity and will allow submariners to gain their qualifications more quickly.
ANSTO branches out
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and global diagnostic company Siemens Medical Solutions have joined forces to open a new radiopharmaceutical production facility in Sydney.
The $10 million facility will be used to help the early diagnosis of life threatening disease and will help provide a secure supply of radiopharmaceuticals following the recent shut down of the Canadian research reactor.
Submarine tenders called
Defence has called for tenders for Australia’s largest ever single defence project - the Future Submarine Project, SEA 1000.
The Requests for Tender add to preliminary investigations undertaken by the Future Submarine Project Office by examining design capabilities and supporting the planning of Australia’s future submarines as outlined in the Defence White Paper.
4 August, 2009
Reform is buy-product
of procurement change
Further reforms to APS procurement processes have been announced by the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Lindsay Tanner.
Aimed at improving transparency and value for money, Mr Tanner said the key components of the new Australian Government Procurement Statement included the appointment of a Procurement Officer to oversee Commonwealth practices and policies.
Mr Tanner said previously it “hadn’t been possible” to get a clear sense of purchasing practices across the Commonwealth Departments and Agencies that engaged in procurement.
“The Coordinator will help give us a clear snapshot of what Agencies are doing, and how effectively they are implementing procurement policies,” he said.
“And for the first time, members of the public will have one clear point of contact for queries or complaints about procurement practices.”
Mr Tanner said as part of the reforms, Australian firms would be encouraged to participate in procurement opportunities and Government suppliers would be expected to comply with public expectations on workplace laws and supporting training and apprenticeships.
According to the Procurement Statement, the Government will “only contract out when it is in the public interest, having regard to such considerations as the quality and accessibility of services and the implications for affected Public Sector employees.”
Mr Tanner said a key challenge in the management of the APS’s $24 billion annual spend on procurement of goods and services was the devolved nature of the Public Service, in which Chief Executives were responsible for managing the affairs of their own Agencies.
“While this decentralised system of financial management does have its benefits, it does run the risk that the Australian Government may not be fully leveraging its substantial purchasing power to achieve value for money in its procurement,” he said.
However, he said a balanced approach was important and “excessive centralisation” was not the answer to removing waste, duplication and inefficiency.
He said the Department of Finance and Deregulation was examining whether combined purchasing power in areas such as telecommunications, computers and major office machines could improve value for money.
Other measures include the appointment of industry experts in key sectors like steel to help small to medium enterprises market their goods and services to Government buyers.
Commercial-in-confidence provisions would also be reduced to improve accountability, while there would be an increased role for the Australian Industry Participation framework in large ($20m+) infrastructure projects, a move which would ensure tender specifications did not exclude Australian suppliers.
The reforms were welcomed by the Community and Public Sector Union.
National Secretary of the CPSU, Stephen Jones said it would require private sector contractors to behave responsibly if they wanted to secure Government contracts, and provide some relief to Public Servants concerned about outsourcing.
“The spectre of outsourcing has hung over the head of thousands of Public Sector employees for too long,” Mr Jones said.
“In our view outsourcing is simply a race to the bottom that not only leads to job losses, but also erodes skills and services.”
He said the policy would require all private sector contractors to meet community expectations of fair work practices and provide information showing how they complied with the Fair Work Act and principles.
4 August, 2009
Worldwide search
for talent quest
Australian Public Service Departments are extending their recruitment drives overseas in their search for high quality candidates for senior positions.
Recent media reports have said that the international recruitment firm, EWK International, had placed employment advertisements for band 2 Senior Executive Service positions in The Economist.
The news follows the announcement by the Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Terry Moran that the Government was making a priority of shaking up the higher levels of bureaucracy.
In a speech to the Institute of Public Administration Australia, Mr Moran said while the Public Service was performing well, productivity could be improved.
He pointed to a recent efficiency study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development which found the Australian Public Service’s proportion of the labour force was 1.5 per cent, or 160,000 employees - relatively low compared to other countries.
However, Mr Moran said while the Public Service was not “broken” and the recruitment should not be seen as a “renovator’s opportunity”, fundamental reform in some areas was needed.
He said “getting the right people” was a priority.
“We have some very good people, but in my experience in the APS thus far, I have seen some critical weaknesses,” Mr Moran said.
“We are not good at recruiting creative thinkers. We are also not good at bringing in some of the management skills and techniques that are used elsewhere.”
He said project management skills, financial management skills and the ability to build a strong business case were skills that did not have enough importance placed on them.
Mr Moran said the Public Service needed people who were competitive and collaborative and were proud of their work but happy to share it.
He said the APS was searching for people who “value a culture that is committed to independence, honesty and high ethical standards” and who “understand that the best ideas always emerge from rigorous study of the evidence.”
Mr Moran said Public Servants needed to have “a passion for public policy.”
“Critically, we lack sufficient people at senior levels with a sophisticated understanding of service delivery,” he said.
“I doubt that the Health Department has many senior officials with a close understanding of how a hospital is run.
“Therefore, we may need to give Public Servants - including senior officials - experiences of front-line policy implementation.
“If that means Deputy Secretaries spend a week staffing the Centrelink claims desk in Murray Bridge, or perhaps in a Medicare office, we will all benefit from their experiences.”
According to the media reports, advertisements for senior positions in PM&C, Treasury and Finance and Deregulation had been advertised.
4 August, 2009
Toolkit tightens up
on annual reports
The Australian National Audit Office has updated its toolkit on the preparation of financial statements by Public Sector entities.
Auditor General, Ian McPhee said the preparation and publication of annual audited financial statements in annual reports was critical for Government Departments.
“It is generally acknowledged that the timely finalisation of an entity’s financial statements, accompanied by an unmodified audit opinion, is an important indicator of the effectiveness of an entity’s financial management performance,” Mr McPhee said.
“Sound financial management fosters confidence in the entity on the part of Ministers, the Parliament and other stakeholders.”
He acknowledged it was a challenging environment to work in given ongoing changes to the Government’s financial framework.
Mr McPhee said the updated guide included material relating to Agencies’ reporting responsibilities and the Certificate of Compliance process and provided further guidance on using the work of experts.
“This guidance is particularly relevant in the context of the requirement for a number of financial statement items to be measured at fair value,” he said.
“While much of this Guide provides practical guidance material relating to the preparation of financial statements, it is recognised that the underpinning management and internal control regimes need to be functioning effectively if an entity’s financial statements are to comply with legislative and policy requirements.”
Mr Mc Phee said the ANAO was confident the updated Guide would be a useful reference for those involved in preparing financial statements.
He said there was not one “right” approach and, while there was a common framework, no two entities were the same and their financial statement preparation processes were different.
“As such, the material in the Guide should be interpreted, customised and used to meet each entity’s own particular circumstances,” Mr McPhee said.
“Entities also need to be alert to ongoing legislative and policy changes.”
The updated toolkit was available at www.anao.gov.au
4 August, 2009
Austrade tribute to
fallen colleague
The Chief Executive of Austrade, Peter O’Byrne has paid tribute to the Australian Trade Commissioner, Craig Senger who was tragically killed in the recent hotel bombing in Jakarta.
Mr O’Byrne said Mr Senger was the first civilian official of the Australian Government to be killed in a terrorist attack and his passing was a “great loss for the Public Service”
Mr O’Byrne said Mr Senger joined Austrade in 1988, firstly in Human Resources and then the South East Asia Regional Office before taking on a number of roles in Sydney where he came to specialise in the mining and resources sector. He was posted to Jakarta in March 2008.
“Craig enjoyed and was proud of his work in Jakarta,” Mr O’Byrne said, “overcoming the challenges of helping Australian businesses export and invest into South east Asia.”
He said Mr Senger was active in the social life of Austrade, particularly in sporting and social club activities.
“He was dedicated to his professional life and also was a man who enjoyed life, bringing joy to his family, friends and colleagues.
“Craig was highly respected and admired across the Austrade network, both in Australia and overseas.”
Mr O’Byrne said following the attack, tributes flowed in from colleagues and clients, each one characterised by their heartfelt warmth.
“These tributes reveal the depth of feelings Craig inspired and the shock of his death,” he said.
“He served our organisation and his country with distinction. His loss is deeply felt by the many Austrade staff who worked alongside him.”
Mr O’Byrne said the Austrade community would remember Mr Senger as a charming and kind man “a thorough professional and a genuine servant of the Australian community.”
He said the thoughts of everyone at Austrade were with Mr Senger’s wife Kate, mother Joan and sister Cate as well as their family and friends.
“Australia’s officials working around the globe face an increasingly complex and, at times, dangerous world,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“Craig’s death underscores the sacrifices that may be made working in the national interest.”
Mr Senger’s funeral was held in Canberra last week.
4 August, 2009
Age discrimination
past its use-by date
The Commissioner for Age Discrimination, Elizabeth Broderick has expressed her concern over reports that mature age workers face barriers to employment.
Commissioner Broderick said a report by National Seniors Australia, Experience Works, showed age discrimination was still occurring.
“This report reinforces the position of the Australian Human Rights Commission - that unlawful age discrimination is a critical problem faced by mature age workers in Australia today,” she said.
“Not only do we need to raise awareness of the types of age discrimination that are unlawful, but we need to strengthen the laws that protect against it.”
Commissioner Broderick said the trend of working past age 65 meant it was vital for the Government and employers to take the problem of age discrimination seriously.
She said many mature age workers worked out of necessity but faced hurdles in trying to do so.
“Everybody should be able to retire when they want to, but equally they should be able to continue working for as long as they need or want to, and we must seriously address the barriers that prevent people from doing so,” Commissioner Broderick said.
The report revealed Australia’s labour force participation rate for people aged between 55 and 64 was lower than in Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, Iceland and New Zealand.
“This is an issue that needs urgent attention, not only because age discrimination and misconceptions about mature age workers are occurring in our workplaces right now, but because this is an issue that is very likely to confront anyone who stays in the workforce past 45 years of age – and let’s face it, that is a significant number of us,” Commissioner Broderick said.
She said the report highlighted the need for the Federal Government to recognise age discrimination as a barrier to mature age employment; commit to an awareness-raising campaign addressing the misconceptions surrounding mature age workers and the existence of laws protecting their rights; and to review the laws to strengthening their effectiveness.
4 August, 2009
Department takes
on the big wheels
The ACT Department of Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water has added five bicycles to its transport fleet to be used by staff to get around town for work-related travel.
Minister for the Department, Simon Corbell said the fleet of new bikes would help reduce carbon emissions generated by travelling between meetings.
Mr Corbell said the Department would provide more bikes if there was sufficient demand for them.
“So many of the meetings take place within close distance to the Department’s offices in Lyneham and this project makes good sense,” he said.
“Staff at the Department have shown strong support for the new bike fleet, with an impressive 70 per cent of staff indicating they will most likely or definitely make use of the bicycles and 81 per cent specified their bike use would be for city meetings.”
Mr Corbell said many employees already rode their bikes to work and that the initiative would help them maintain their habit.
“I’d encourage all workplaces to look at having bike fleets,” he said.
Mr Corbell said even small initiatives could make a difference in helping the Government to achieve its goal of producing zero net emissions.
“To tackle climate change we need to have the big ideas... but just as important are smaller initiatives such as this bike fleet which when combined with other ideas make a real change,” he said.
He said other advantages included reducing the amount of money the Department spent on fuel costs and parking fees.
4 August, 2009
Strong stand taken
on disability pact
Australia has signed a United Nations Protocol on the rights of people with disabilities.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services, Bill Shorten and Attorney General, Robert McClelland announced the move, saying it illustrated the Government’s commitment to people with disabilities.
“This demonstrates the Government’s real commitment to people with a disability as well as demonstrating our serious commitment to leadership in this area at an international level,” Mr McClelland said.
Entitled Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the protocol allows Australians to make complaints to the United Nations Disabilities Committee should all domestic avenues of complaint be exhausted.
The Committee is made up of independent experts elected to the Convention, and includes Australia's Professor Ron McCallum.
The Australian Human Rights Commission welcomed the announcement with Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes saying the signing of the Convention was an important step alongside other Government commitments to reduce inequality.
“Of course I know that people with disability and their families want to have their human rights respected and fulfilled in practice rather than just the right to complain about it not happening, and that full human rights are far from the daily reality for too many of our people,” Commissioner Innes said.
“But I'm very excited about this latest commitment to accountability for human rights as another step in Australians and their Governments working together to turn rights into realities.”
The Government ratified the convention in July 2008, making it one of the first Western countries to do so. More than 40 countries have signed or ratified the Optional Protocol.
4 August, 2009
Ombudsman goes
to town on visas
The Commonwealth Ombudsman has found delays and inconsistencies at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship have been affecting visa applications.
In his report, Department of Immigration and Citizenship: Invalid visa applications, the Ombudsman, who is also Immigration Ombudsman, Professor John McMillan warned the Department’s processes could have serious consequences for the immigration status of applicants.
Professor McMillan said between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2008, DIAC found 16,547 visa applications invalid, but the timeliness and adequacy of advice given to applicants about their invalid visa applications varied.
“An assessment that a visa application is invalid is not a decision to refuse a visa,” he said.
“It simply means that an application is deficient in some way—perhaps the supporting paperwork is incomplete or the application fee has not been paid, for example—and a new application needs to be lodged.
“Regardless of the complexity of the deficiency, anyone who submits an invalid visa application should be given advice in a timely manner about the reasons their application is invalid and the consequential effects on their immigration status.”
Professor McMillan’s investigation found DIAC took an average of 38 days to assess a visa application as invalid, although the time varied from less than a day to more than two years.
“Visa applications from 216 individuals who were onshore and lawful at the time of lodging their applications were recorded by DIAC as being onshore and unlawful when their applications were later assessed as invalid,” he said.
“In other words, their status changed during the period between lodging their application and its assessment as invalid.”
The report made a number of recommendations, which DIAC accepted without exception.
The recommendations included improving policies and guidelines provided to officers dealing with invalid visa applications; providing staff with training; addressing delays in assessing invalidity; advising visa applicants of why their applications were invalid; and improving record keeping processes, especially regarding oral advice and policies on visa application fee payments.
The full Ombudsman’s report was available from www.ombudsman.gov.au
4 August, 2009
Price not right
for consumers
The Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council has warned that because consumers have a low level of awareness about their rights, the cost of goods was increasing.
An Issues Paper on consumer protection published by CCAAC, examines Commonwealth and State laws relating to warranties on consumer goods and according to the Minister for Competition and Consumer Affairs, Dr Craig Emerson the paper entitled Consumer Rights. Statutory implied conditions and warranties, finds many consumers do not understand their rights in relation to refunds on defective goods.
“Signs displayed by stores such as ‘no cash refunds’, ‘no refunds after 30 days’ and ‘all care but no responsibility’, cannot negate customers’ rights under consumer protection laws,” Dr Emerson said.
He expressed concern that consumers were purchasing costly extended warranties at retail stores in the belief their rights expired when the manufacturer’s warranty did.
“Consumers tend to believe that their entitlements to a refund or repair of defective products are contained only in the formal warranties issued at retail stores,” he said.
“Implied warranties, provided through Federal and State consumer laws, can operate well beyond the expiry date of a statutory warranty.
“If a dishwasher has a one-year warranty and collapses in its 13th month of use, the consumer could still be protected by the implied warranty.”
Dr Emerson said extended warranties might not be worth the expense.
He said the paper also examined goods sold at auction, including online, which were not presently covered by implied warranties.
“Online auctions are rapidly growing in popularity and consumer protection policy needs to catch up,” he said.
It is estimated that problems relating to warranties and refunds were costing Australians around $12 billion a year.
Dr Emerson welcomed public comment on the Issues Paper, which was available at www.treasury.gov.au
4 August, 2009
Airservices to
service airports
Airservices Australia is to embark on a critical check of air navigation facilities to ensure the safety of the flying public.
The Agency’s Flight Inspection Service will check the functional accuracy of equipment, which it said was critical to aviation safety.
The Brisbane-based service checks the 500 plus navigational aids installed by Airservices for flight safety at regional and major airports, aerodromes and airstrips on a three-year rotational basis.
Equipment being tested includes instrument landing systems, distance measuring equipment, non-directional beacons and wide area multilateration navigation aids plus surveillance radars.
Positional and navigational information is relayed from these aids to aircraft and helps pilots to land safely.
The inspections will be performed by specialist air crew who operate the twin-engine Beechcraft King Air aircraft and equipment to collect precision data while airborne.
Data gathered is to be assessed and analysed by Airservices maintenance and engineering employees to ensure each navigation aid is operating accurately.
Thirty separate routine or special flight inspections will be conducted on equipment this month at Cooktown in Queensland; Richmond, Sydney and Gibraltar in NSW; and Wonthaggi, East Sale, Avalon, Plenty, Essendon and Cowes in Victoria.
4 August, 2009
Canberra police cars
to be wired for action
The Australian Federal Police in Canberra have started an innovative rollout of computer links across its fleet of patrol cars in a bid to improve effectiveness and efficiency in communications.
According to the AFP, each car is to have a digitally encrypted central processing unit connected with a high-speed data modem to the secure AFP Net.
A spokesman said terminals were highly secure and could only be accessed after going through a number of security gateways.
The terminal provides access to PROMIS, the AFP’s on-line database, the Roads and Traffic Authority’s vehicle registration and driver’s licence database, email and the internet.
To be run by the ACT Policing division of the AFP, more than 100 vehicles will be equipped with the computing system with each vehicle having an adjustable touch-screen and a keyboard.
The roll-out expected to be completed by December 2009.
Chief Police Officer for the ACT , Mike Phelan said in-car computing had been trialled by ACT Policing in various forms over the past few years.
“This system puts significant resources and technology at the fingertips of every officer in every ACT Policing patrol car,” CPO Phelan said.
“The rollout of this technology, with more to come, forms an integral part of our five-year strategic plan.
“It allows our officers to be out on the road longer, uses their time on the road more effectively and efficiently, and increases police visibility.”
He said the first operational car to be equipped with the technology would be a high visibility Traffic Operations patrol car, which would have its multi-functional display unit also linked to a RAPID number plate recognition system.
All ACT Policing operational vehicles are also now equipped with Automated Vehicle Locators, which plot each vehicle’s location by GPS and display them on a screen within Police Operations at the Winchester Police Centre in the Canberra suburb of Belconnen.
4 August, 2009
Department gets on
with ageing review
The Department of Health and Ageing has called for public input into its review of the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme.
The Scheme was introduced in May 2007 as a way for people to have their concerns about the quality of care being provided to elderly people investigated.
Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said the review was an opportunity for the public, consumers, staff and industry to express their views on the operation of the CIS.
Ms Elliot said the Government was “committed to improving service quality and protections” for Australians receiving aged care services.
“My primary concern is for the health, safety and welfare of our older Australians,” she said.
Ms Elliot said the review was considering aspects of the CIS including the processes, practices and timeliness of responses to complaints and communication between the CIS and stakeholders including residents, their families, staff and aged care providers.
Public Comment has also been encouraged on the amount and quality of training provided to investigators; investigators’ access to clinical and investigative expertise; the framework used for the escalation of complaints; information collection and consideration; and the relationship between the CIS, the Aged Care Commissioner, the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency and other relevant bodies.
Ms Elliot said the Government had also strengthened staff police check requirements, increased visits to facilities by the independent Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency, provided greater information on homes to the public and invested in workforce training.
Associate Professor of Medical Education, Merrilyn Walton, has been appointed to conduct the review of the CIS.
Professor Walton currently works at the University of Sydney and is former Director of the NSW Health Complaints Unit and Commissioner for the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.
Public Submissions on the review close on 28 August 2009, with a Consultation Paper available from www.health.gov.au
4 August, 2009
Voters ticked off
for not enrolling
Up to a million Australians have been urged to register their names on the electoral roll, with the Special Minister of State, Senator Joe Ludwig using Enrol to Vote Week to draw attention to the issue.
Senator Ludwig said eight per cent of eligible voters – or 1.2 million people – were missing from the electoral roll.
“Australia’s enrolment participation rate has been declining slowly since the 2007 close of rolls,” he said.
Senator Ludwig said the Australian Electoral Commission used Enrol to Vote Week (27 July - 2 August) to encourage more young people onto the electoral roll.
“Young people have been identified as the group most under represented on the electoral roll,” he said.
“Currently one in two 18-year-olds is not enrolled to vote, and many teenagers are unaware they can apply for enrolment as soon as they turn 17.”
Senator Ludwig said officers from the AEC had visited high schools around Australia during the Enrol to Vote Week to encourage students to enrol.
He said the Government would also provide $13 million to the AEC over four years to improve voter turn-out and participation in Indigenous communities.
“Over the next four years the AEC will aim to raise awareness, including of young Indigenous adults, of the specifics of how and when to enrol and how to vote formally in elections.”
“This initiative is in addition to the Government’s Green Paper process which is intended to facilitate discussion on reforms to the electoral system,” Senator Ludwig said.
4 August, 2009
Police collar
new database
CrimTrac has delivered the National Police Reference System which will allow the country’s 50,000 police officers to share information.
Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O’Connor said the NPRS allowed police to exchange information about serious criminal matters across States and Territories.
“This system will provide police with vital information for solving crime and will prove to be a powerful investigative tool,” Mr O’Connor said.
“By the end of July, police across Australia will be able to access NPRS and locate vital information about persons of interest.”
He said the shared information included warnings, warrants, offence histories, orders, firearms and bail information; whether the person was wanted or missing; and whether they were on the Australian Child Offender Register.
“The CrimTrac Agency has been working collaboratively with police and law enforcement agencies for several years to develop a national information sharing capability,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The NPRS will assist police with their day-to-day duties by providing them with a nationwide view of persons of interest and providing police with the capacity to make better-informed, critical decisions when dealing with these people.”
He said the take up of NPRS increased four-fold in the past 12 months, with CrimTrac conducting almost 150,000 transactions each day for operational police.
Mr O’Connor said police jurisdictions had given overwhelming support to expanding NPRS data sets, requesting information relating to vehicles of interest, firearms identification, driver’s licences, known associates and associations and geo-spatial data to assist with crime management.
4 August, 2009
Hot competition for
airport firefighters
Firefighters from Airservices Australia are showing off their skills at the 2009 World Police and Fire Games in Canada.
According to Airservices, six serving and two retired fire fighters are representing Australia at the Games, which run from 29 July to 9 August.
Spokesperson for the contingent, Scott Geyer said they would be competing against some of the toughest police and fire fighters from 55 countries.
Mr Geyer said over 30,000 people were expected to attend more than 60 sporting events.
He said Airservices representatives would join a team of metropolitan fire fighters to represent Australia in a diverse range of events including the ‘ultimate fire fighter’, which involves four challenges: a hose task, weights and strength, an obstacle course and a high rise test.
“The games provide an opportunity to meet colleagues around the world, demonstrate our sporting prowess as Aussies and of course our specialist skills as fire fighters,” Mr Geyer said.
“Airservices fire fighters and the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service have largely self-funded their trips through extensive fund raising, including the production of a fire fighting calendar which proved a sales hit.
“This fund raising also included raising money for the Women and Children’s Hospital Burns Unit in South Australia.”
Airservices representatives at the 2009 games are:
- Al Green (cross-country run, road run, team triathlon)
- Geoff Fuller (open water swim, pool swimming events, team triathlon)
- Dave Cottle (cross-country run, wrist wrestling, ultimate fire fighter)
- Wes Garrett (cycling, horse shoes throw)
- Scott Geyer (dragon boat, Gaelic football, muster)
- Al Lepiniere (rugby 7s, Gaelic football)
- Joe Portolesi (archery)
- Bob Beveridge (open water swim, pool swimming events).
The next biennial event will be held in New York in 2011 to commemorate a decade since September 11, 2001
4 August, 2009
Industry policy to
play favourites
An industry participation framework that aims to give Australian businesses “a fairer go”, both here and overseas has been outlined by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Minister for Innovation, Senator Kim Carr said as part of the package the Industry Capability Network, which uses procurement experts to link Australian companies to public and private sector opportunities, would receive an extra $8.5 million.
Senator Carr said the funding would be delivered over four years through the Supplier Access to Major Projects (SAMP) program to give companies a better chance of securing work.
He said business specialists would also be appointed as Supplier Advocates to champion Australian industry in the Government marketplace and improve competitiveness, while tenderers would be required to submit Australian industry participation plans giving local business a fair go at winning major Commonwealth contracts and work on Commonwealth-funded infrastructure projects.
“This is about improving access and building capabilities,” Senator Carr said.
“We don’t send our athletes off to the Olympics without giving them a solid preparation. The same principle should apply to Australian industry.”
He said it was important firms knew what was on offer and were “geared up” to make the most of all opportunities.
“We believe Australian firms can be highly competitive on timeliness, capability, quality and whole-of-life costs,” Senator Carr said.
He said Supplier Advocates would help small and medium-sized businesses market their products to Government buyers and would champion sectoral initiatives to improve competitiveness.
Senator Carr said by tightening guidelines for the Enhanced Project By-law Scheme and Tariff Concession System, Australian industry participation requirements for private sector investment projects that accessed the Scheme would be strengthened.
“It is essential that we link Government procurement more effectively to industry development, innovation and training,” he said.
“We also need to make Australian industry participation requirements simpler and more consistent across jurisdictions.
More information is available from www.icn.org.au
4 August, 2009
Preschools study
studies preschools
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that in June 2008 seven out of 10 children between the age of three and six who were not attending school went to preschool or a preschool program.
The Bureau found 47 per cent of children who usually attended a preschool went for 10 to 14 hours per week and 23 per cent attended for 15 hours or more.
The findings were revealed as part of the Childhood Education and Care Survey, the first national survey to measure attendance in preschool programs in both preschools and long day care centres.
The study found 82 per cent of school children aged four to eight years attended a preschool program in the year before commencing school.
According to the ABS, in 2008 grandparents cared for 19 per cent of children aged zero to12 years who were usually in some type of child care arrangement, with the next most common type of care being long day care (12 per cent).
Parents of 75 per cent of children aged up to 12 said work-related reasons were behind their children’s formal care attendance.
The study found only 29 per cent of parents believed this care was beneficial for the child.
The survey also found the parents of 126,000 children reported they either wanted to place their children in child care or preschool, or access additional or different types of care than currently available.
Of these parents, 32 per cent applied for new or additional care or preschool enrolment.
4 August, 2009
ABC website wins award
An interactive 3D website produced by staff of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has won an award from the Australian Film Institute
The inaugural AFI Award for Screen Content Innovation was presented to the ABC for its interactive documentary project Gallipoli: The First Day directed by
Sam Doust and Produced by Meena Tharmarajah and Astrid Scott.
Gallipoli: The First Day explores the first 24 hours of the landing at ANZAC Cove in 1915 and can be experienced at abc.net.au/gallipoli
Top honour taking names
With just a month to go, more than 1,000 people have already been nominated for Australia of the Year 2010.
National Program Director for the National Australia Day Council, Tam Johnson, said well-known names nominated for the award included Former Victorian police chief Christine Nixon, Formula One driver Mark Webber, Actress and fundraiser Paula Duncan and Olympic diver Matthew Mitcham.
Ms Johnson said nominations could be made online at www.australianoftheyear.org.au or by calling 1300 655 193. Nomination forms could also be picked up at Commonwealth Bank branches.
Nominations close 31 August 2009.
Agreement moves camps
Alice Springs town camps are to be transformed and services improved following a sub-lease agreement signed between the Tangentyere Council, the Alice Springs town camp housing associations and the Australian Government.
The agreement is expected to open the way for a $138 million investment which would see the construction of new houses and major rebuilds of existing homes.
Work will also start on cleaning up town camps and urgent repairs to houses and infrastructure.
Fellow named
The Australian Defence College has joined forces with Raytheon Australia to host its first Visiting Industry Fellow, the General Manager of Aerospace at Raytheon Australia, Craig Wilkinson.
Mr Wilkinson has held a range of leadership appointments and has over 20 years of industry experience, which will help him during his tenure at the ADC.
Coleman mourned
The Australia Council for the Arts has expressed its grief at the death of renowned choreographer, Ross Coleman.
Chief Executive Officer, Kathy Keele said Mr Coleman had made an immense contribution to Australia’s musical theatre.
“His inventive and glamorous choreography is now world famous with the export of Priscilla Queen of the Desert now showing in London and later, in 2010, going to Broadway,” Ms Keele said.
Mr Coleman died aged 60.
Auditorium for Button
The late Senator John Button, a former Minister for Industry and Leader of the Senate, has been honoured with the opening of an auditorium in his name.
The John Button Auditorium at the headquarters of Australia’s largest biotechnology company, CSL, recognises his contribution to the company’s formation.
The auditorium is located in Parkville, Victoria.
Migrants reach 5.5 million
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics have revealed 5.5 million migrants from over 200 countries are living in Australia.
Migrants born in the United Kingdom were the largest group, with 1.2 million calling Australia home, followed by those from New Zealand (495,000), China (314,000), India (239,000) and Italy (222,000).
The ABS found over the last 10 years those migrating from the UK declined from 6.1 per cent of Australia's population to 5.4 per cent, while the number of migrants from New Zealand, China and India increased.
DAFF conserves overseas
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has called for applications for projects to improve forest management and reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
The projects are part of the second phase of the Asia-Pacific Forestry Skills and Capacity Building Program, the first of which were announced last year and supported 15 projects in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
Applications under Phase II of the Program close on Tuesday 8 September 2009, with further information available from www.daff.gov.au
Chopper contract decided
The Defence Materiel Organisation has awarded Raytheon Australia an In Service Support contract for the Squirrel helicopter fleet.
Based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW, the Squirrel fleet is used for lead in helicopter training.
The contract is expected to provide management, engineering, maintenance, and supply services to the Navy and to enable In Service Support services for the Squirrel helicopter to be maintained until its planned withdrawal.
The contract is for five years at an annual cost of $9.5 million.
Film programs announced
Screen Australia has announced four new development programs aimed at supporting people working in the film industry.
The programs include the Screen Australia Springboard Short Film program; the Screen Australia Short Film Completion fund; the Screen Australia/Film Four Producer Internship; and the Screen Australia Script Factory Foundation Development training initiative.
The programs are expected to give Australian filmmakers the opportunity to build their skills and careers.
Further information was available from www.screenaustralia.gov.au |
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